CVE-2025-43407 is a sandbox escape vulnerability affecting Apple’s macOS and other related operating systems including visionOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. Sandboxing is a critical security mechanism that restricts applications to a limited environment, preventing them from accessing unauthorized system resources or user data. This vulnerability arises from insufficient entitlement enforcement, which are permissions that define what an app can access or do within the OS. A malicious or compromised app could exploit this flaw to break out of its sandbox, thereby gaining elevated privileges or access to sensitive information outside its restricted environment. Apple addressed this issue by improving entitlement checks and releasing patches in the specified OS versions. The vulnerability does not have a CVSS score yet, and no public exploits have been observed, indicating it may be difficult to exploit or not yet weaponized. However, the potential impact is substantial because sandbox escapes can lead to privilege escalation, data leakage, or persistence mechanisms for malware. The vulnerability affects all unspecified versions prior to the patched releases, meaning any unpatched Apple device running these OSes is vulnerable. The fix involves updating to the latest OS versions where entitlement enforcement has been strengthened. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where third-party apps are installed, including enterprise and consumer settings. Since sandboxing is a foundational security control on Apple platforms, this flaw undermines a key defense layer, increasing the risk of broader compromise if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or personal information if a malicious app escapes its sandbox. This is especially critical for sectors relying heavily on Apple devices such as creative industries, finance, and government agencies. The breach of sandbox restrictions can facilitate privilege escalation, enabling attackers to install persistent malware or move laterally within networks. Confidentiality and integrity of data are at risk, and availability could be indirectly impacted if the system is compromised or destabilized. Organizations that allow installation of third-party or internally developed apps without strict vetting increase their exposure. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details are widely known. Failure to patch promptly could result in targeted attacks, especially given the strategic importance of European markets and institutions. The impact is magnified in environments where Apple devices are integrated into critical infrastructure or sensitive workflows.

European organizations should immediately prioritize updating all Apple devices to the patched OS versions: visionOS 26.1, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and tvOS 26.1. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application whitelisting and vetting policies to limit installation of untrusted or unnecessary apps. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app deployment and monitor for unusual app behavior indicative of sandbox escape attempts. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and entitlements to detect anomalies. Educate users about the risks of installing apps from unverified sources. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying privilege escalation or sandbox escape behaviors. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to Apple ecosystems to reduce impact in case of exploitation.