CVE-2025-43465 is a security vulnerability discovered in Apple macOS, specifically related to the parsing and validation of directory paths. The issue arises from improper handling of directory paths, which can be manipulated by a malicious application to bypass intended access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data. This vulnerability is rooted in a parsing flaw that allows an app to traverse or reference directories in a way that was not properly validated by the operating system, potentially exposing private files or data. Apple addressed this vulnerability in macOS Tahoe 26.1 by implementing improved path validation mechanisms that prevent such unauthorized access. The affected versions of macOS prior to this patch are unspecified, but it is implied that all versions before Tahoe 26.1 are vulnerable. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, indicating that the vulnerability has not yet been actively weaponized. The lack of a CVSS score requires an independent severity assessment. Given that the vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive data without requiring user interaction or authentication, it poses a significant confidentiality risk. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious apps that users might install or that could be delivered via other attack vectors. This makes it a critical concern for environments where sensitive data confidentiality is paramount. The vulnerability does not appear to affect system integrity or availability directly but compromises data confidentiality. The scope is limited to macOS systems, which are widely used in certain sectors and regions. The vulnerability's exploitation complexity is moderate, requiring an app to exploit the parsing flaw, but no user interaction or elevated privileges are necessary once the app is installed. Overall, this vulnerability represents a serious risk to user data privacy on macOS systems and should be addressed promptly.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43465 is the potential unauthorized access to sensitive user data on macOS devices. This could lead to data breaches involving personal information, intellectual property, or confidential business data. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government, where macOS devices are commonly used, may face significant confidentiality risks. The vulnerability could facilitate insider threats or supply chain attacks if malicious applications are introduced into the environment. Although no known exploits exist yet, the risk of future exploitation could lead to regulatory compliance issues under GDPR due to unauthorized data exposure. Additionally, reputational damage and financial losses could result from data breaches. The impact is heightened in environments where macOS is used for critical operations or where sensitive data is stored locally. The vulnerability does not directly affect system availability or integrity but compromises confidentiality, which is a core security principle. European organizations with mixed OS environments need to ensure macOS devices are not overlooked in their security posture. The lack of authentication or user interaction requirements for exploitation increases the threat level, making it easier for attackers to leverage this vulnerability once a malicious app is installed.

The primary mitigation is to update all macOS systems to version Tahoe 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed with improved path validation. Organizations should enforce strict patch management policies to ensure timely deployment of this update. Additionally, implement application whitelisting and restrict installation of untrusted or unsigned applications to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual file access patterns or suspicious application behavior on macOS devices. Conduct regular security awareness training to educate users about the risks of installing unauthorized software. Use macOS built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and sandboxing to limit app capabilities. Review and tighten file system permissions and access controls to minimize exposure of sensitive data. Monitor logs for anomalous directory access attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. Finally, consider network segmentation to isolate macOS devices handling sensitive data from less secure parts of the network.