CVE-2025-43426 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related operating systems (iOS and iPadOS) that arises from a logging issue where sensitive user data may be improperly recorded and insufficiently redacted in system logs. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-532, which pertains to exposure of sensitive information through logs. The flaw allows an application with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) to potentially access sensitive user data by reading these logs, without requiring user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting a local attack vector with low attack complexity and no user interaction, but high confidentiality impact. Integrity and availability are not affected. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, and iPadOS 26.1, where Apple has implemented improved data redaction techniques in logging to mitigate this issue. No known exploits have been reported in the wild at the time of publication. The vulnerability primarily impacts confidentiality by exposing sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks or privacy violations. The root cause is inadequate sanitization of sensitive data before logging, which can be accessed by apps with certain privileges. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure logging practices and strict access controls on log files within Apple operating systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive data leakage on Apple devices used within corporate environments. Confidentiality of user data could be compromised if a malicious or compromised app with local access reads improperly redacted logs. This could lead to exposure of personal information, credentials, or other sensitive details, potentially facilitating further attacks such as privilege escalation or targeted phishing. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations like GDPR (e.g., finance, healthcare, government) face increased compliance risks if sensitive data is exposed. The impact is heightened in environments where Apple devices are widely used and where endpoint security controls are limited. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the confidentiality breach alone can have significant reputational and legal consequences. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits targeting this flaw. Therefore, European organizations should consider this vulnerability a moderate threat that requires timely remediation to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance.

1. Immediately update all affected Apple devices to macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, and iPadOS 26.1 or later versions where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Audit and restrict app permissions to minimize the number of apps with local access capable of reading system logs. 3. Implement strict access controls on log files and directories to prevent unauthorized read access by applications or users. 4. Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to read sensitive logs by non-privileged apps. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing untrusted applications that could exploit local vulnerabilities. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting suspicious local activity related to log access. 7. Review and enhance logging policies to ensure sensitive data is never logged in plaintext or without proper redaction. 8. For organizations with custom macOS configurations, verify that logging settings comply with best practices for data protection. 9. Maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure timely patch management aligned with vendor security advisories. 10. Coordinate with legal and compliance teams to assess any potential data exposure and fulfill regulatory reporting obligations if necessary.