CVE-2025-43474 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Apple macOS identified as CWE-125. The issue arises from improper input validation within the kernel or a privileged subsystem, allowing a local application with limited privileges to read memory beyond intended boundaries. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other protected data. Additionally, the vulnerability can cause unexpected system termination, resulting in denial of service. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to the patched releases: macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The flaw was addressed by improving input validation to prevent out-of-bounds memory access. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's nature makes it a significant risk if weaponized. Given the kernel-level impact, exploitation could facilitate privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks.

The vulnerability can severely impact organizations by enabling local attackers or malicious applications to read sensitive kernel memory, potentially exposing confidential information such as encryption keys, authentication tokens, or system internals. This compromises confidentiality and could facilitate further attacks like privilege escalation or persistent compromise. The ability to cause unexpected system termination affects system availability, leading to denial of service conditions that disrupt business operations. Integrity is also at risk if attackers leverage the vulnerability to manipulate kernel memory indirectly. Organizations relying on macOS for critical infrastructure, development, or sensitive data processing face heightened risks. The vulnerability's local attack vector limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where untrusted applications or users have local access. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window for proactive patching before widespread exploitation occurs.

Organizations should immediately apply the security updates provided by Apple in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, Sonoma 14.8.2, and Tahoe 26.1 to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, restrict local user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of exploitation by untrusted applications. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent execution of unauthorized or suspicious local applications. Monitor system logs and kernel crash reports for signs of exploitation attempts or unusual system terminations. Conduct regular audits of installed software to identify and remove potentially malicious or unnecessary applications. For environments with high security requirements, consider implementing kernel integrity monitoring and memory protection mechanisms. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and enforce strict access controls on macOS devices. Finally, maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any exploitation attempts.