CVE-2025-43405 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that arises from a permissions issue related to sandbox restrictions. Specifically, the vulnerability allows an application to bypass sandbox constraints and access user-sensitive data without requiring any privileges or user interaction. This issue is classified under CWE-359, which pertains to exposure of sensitive information due to improper access control. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.2. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5, indicating high severity, with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. This means the attack can be performed remotely (Network), with low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and impacts confidentiality significantly while not affecting integrity or availability. The root cause is insufficient sandbox restrictions that fail to properly isolate applications, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user data. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a serious risk if exploited, as attackers could potentially extract confidential information from affected systems. The issue was addressed by Apple through enhanced sandbox restrictions in the specified macOS updates, which should be applied promptly to mitigate the risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on Apple hardware and software could face data breaches leading to loss of intellectual property, exposure of personal data, and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction increases the threat level, potentially allowing remote attackers to silently access sensitive information. This could lead to espionage, identity theft, or targeted attacks against high-value individuals or entities. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies that include macOS devices might see an expanded attack surface. The absence of impact on integrity and availability limits the threat to data confidentiality, but the sensitivity of the data exposed could still cause severe operational and reputational damage.

European organizations should immediately ensure all macOS devices are updated to the patched versions: Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, or Sonoma 14.8.2. IT administrators should audit and restrict app permissions, especially for apps downloaded outside the Mac App Store or from untrusted sources. Implement strict application whitelisting and sandboxing policies to limit app capabilities. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual app behaviors indicative of sandbox escape attempts. Conduct regular security awareness training to discourage the installation of unverified applications. Network segmentation can reduce exposure of sensitive systems to potentially compromised devices. Additionally, organizations should monitor for unusual data access patterns and review logs for signs of exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain an inventory of macOS devices and enforce compliance with update policies to reduce the window of vulnerability.