CVE-2025-43411 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to bypass entitlement checks and access user-sensitive data without proper authorization. Entitlements in macOS are security mechanisms that define the privileges an app has, including access to protected resources and user data. This vulnerability stems from insufficient or flawed enforcement of these entitlement checks, enabling a malicious or compromised app to gain access to data it should not be able to reach. The issue was addressed by Apple through enhanced entitlement validation, and patches were released in macOS Sonoma 14.8.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.2. The affected versions are unspecified but include macOS releases prior to these patches. No public exploits or active attacks have been reported to date, indicating the vulnerability is not yet exploited in the wild. However, the potential for unauthorized data access poses a significant risk to user privacy and organizational data confidentiality. The vulnerability primarily impacts the confidentiality aspect of security, as it allows unauthorized reading of sensitive information. Since exploitation requires an app to be installed on the target system, the attack vector involves either social engineering to install a malicious app or leveraging existing apps with elevated privileges. User interaction is likely required to some extent, such as installing or running the malicious application. The scope of affected systems includes all macOS devices running vulnerable versions, which are widely used in enterprise and consumer environments. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an expert severity assessment, which rates this vulnerability as high due to the sensitivity of the data at risk and the potential for privacy breaches.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user and corporate data stored or processed on macOS devices. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government, which often handle highly sensitive personal and business information, could face data breaches leading to regulatory penalties under GDPR and reputational damage. The ability of an app to bypass entitlement checks and access sensitive data could facilitate espionage, intellectual property theft, or unauthorized disclosure of personal data. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or extensive use of macOS endpoints may see an increased attack surface. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits over time. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of multi-stage attacks to gain deeper access into corporate networks. Therefore, the impact extends beyond individual devices to potentially compromise broader organizational security and compliance posture.

European organizations should immediately prioritize updating all macOS devices to the patched versions macOS Sonoma 14.8.2 or macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 to remediate the vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should audit installed applications and restrict app installation privileges to trusted sources only, such as the Apple App Store or verified enterprise apps. Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions can enforce app whitelisting and entitlement policies, reducing the risk of unauthorized apps gaining access. Regularly review and tighten app entitlements and permissions, ensuring apps have only the minimum necessary access. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious app behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of installing untrusted applications. Additionally, organizations should maintain robust data encryption and access controls to limit the impact of any potential data exposure. Finally, continuous monitoring for updates from Apple and threat intelligence feeds is essential to respond promptly to any emerging exploit activity.