CVE-2025-43404 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically related to a permissions issue that allows an application to bypass sandbox restrictions and access sensitive user data. The sandbox is a critical security mechanism designed to isolate applications and limit their access to system resources and user information. In this case, the sandbox restrictions were insufficient, enabling a malicious or compromised app to gain unauthorized access to data that should have been protected. The vulnerability was addressed and fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.1 by implementing additional sandbox restrictions that close the permissions gap. Although the affected versions are unspecified, it is implied that all macOS versions prior to Tahoe 26.1 are vulnerable. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, indicating that the vulnerability has not yet been actively leveraged by attackers. However, the potential for exploitation exists, especially if an attacker can convince a user to install a malicious app or exploit an existing app with elevated privileges. The lack of a CVSS score limits precise severity quantification, but the nature of the vulnerability—unauthorized access to sensitive user data—indicates a significant confidentiality impact. The vulnerability does not appear to require user interaction beyond app installation, and no authentication bypass is mentioned, but the scope includes any user data accessible by the compromised app. This vulnerability highlights the importance of sandbox enforcement in macOS and the risks posed by insufficient isolation between apps and user data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data stored or processed on macOS devices. Organizations with employees using macOS systems could face data leakage if a malicious app exploits this vulnerability. This could lead to exposure of personal data, intellectual property, or other confidential information, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The impact is particularly critical for sectors handling sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government agencies. Additionally, the breach of user data could damage organizational reputation and result in regulatory fines. Since the vulnerability allows an app to access data without proper permissions, it could also facilitate further attacks such as credential theft or lateral movement within networks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details are public. Organizations relying heavily on macOS devices should consider this a high-priority risk.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Tahoe 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, allowing only apps from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store or enterprise-approved repositories. 3. Implement endpoint protection solutions capable of monitoring and restricting app behaviors that attempt to access sensitive data beyond their scope. 4. Conduct regular audits of installed applications on macOS devices to detect unauthorized or suspicious software. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and phishing attempts that may lead to malicious app installation. 6. Utilize macOS built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper to enhance app sandboxing and verification. 7. Monitor logs and alerts for unusual access patterns to sensitive data on macOS endpoints. 8. For organizations with mobile device management (MDM) solutions, enforce compliance policies that mandate timely patching and restrict app installations. 9. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential data breaches originating from compromised macOS applications.