CVE-2025-43409 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically related to a permissions issue that allows an application to bypass existing sandbox restrictions and access sensitive user data. The sandbox is a security mechanism designed to isolate applications and limit their access to system resources and user information. The vulnerability arises from insufficient or improperly enforced sandbox constraints, which could be exploited by a malicious or compromised app to read data it should not have permission to access. Apple addressed this issue in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 by implementing additional sandbox restrictions that close the permissions gap. The affected versions are unspecified but include all versions prior to the patch release. No public exploits have been reported yet, indicating the vulnerability is not actively exploited in the wild. However, the potential for data leakage remains significant, as unauthorized access to sensitive user data can lead to privacy violations, intellectual property theft, or further compromise of the system. The lack of a CVSS score suggests the vulnerability is newly disclosed and pending detailed assessment. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication, increasing its risk profile. The technical details confirm the issue was reserved in April 2025 and published in November 2025, reflecting a recent disclosure cycle.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43409 centers on the confidentiality of sensitive user and organizational data. Entities using vulnerable macOS versions could see unauthorized data access by malicious applications, potentially exposing personal data, corporate secrets, or regulated information subject to GDPR and other compliance regimes. This could lead to reputational damage, regulatory fines, and operational disruptions. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology, which often rely on Apple hardware and software, are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks, including lateral movement or privilege escalation within networks. Since the vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication, the attack surface is broader, increasing the likelihood of exploitation if a malicious app is installed. The absence of known exploits currently limits immediate risk but does not preclude future targeted attacks. Overall, the threat could undermine trust in macOS security if not promptly mitigated.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to version Sequoia 15.7.2 or later to apply the patch that addresses the sandbox permissions issue. 2. Audit installed applications for legitimacy and remove any untrusted or unnecessary software that could exploit sandbox weaknesses. 3. Implement strict application whitelisting and use Apple’s Endpoint Security framework to monitor and control app behaviors. 4. Enforce least privilege principles by reviewing and minimizing app permissions, especially those requesting access to sensitive data. 5. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to centrally manage macOS updates and security policies across the organization. 6. Monitor system logs and security alerts for unusual access patterns or sandbox violations that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and encourage adherence to approved software sources. 8. Prepare incident response plans that include scenarios involving unauthorized data access via compromised applications.