CVE-2025-43479 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems, related to a permissions issue that allows an application to access sensitive user data improperly. The root cause is insufficient enforcement of permission restrictions, which could let malicious or compromised applications bypass normal security controls and access confidential information stored or processed on the device. Apple has addressed this vulnerability by introducing additional restrictions on app permissions in macOS Sonoma 14.8.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.2. The affected versions are unspecified but presumably include versions prior to these patches. The vulnerability does not require user interaction to be exploited, meaning that once a malicious app is installed, it could autonomously access sensitive data. There are no reports of active exploitation in the wild, but the potential for abuse remains significant given the nature of the flaw. The lack of a CVSS score limits precise severity quantification, but the impact on confidentiality and the ease of exploitation by installed apps indicate a high-risk scenario. This vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality of user data, which may include personal information, credentials, or other sensitive content. The integrity and availability of the system are less likely to be directly affected. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict permission models and app vetting on macOS platforms.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk to data confidentiality, especially for entities handling sensitive or regulated information such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies. Unauthorized access to sensitive user data could lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), reputational damage, and potential financial losses. Organizations with employees or systems using macOS devices are at risk of internal data exposure if malicious apps exploit this flaw. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future attacks. The vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or insider threat scenarios. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in European corporate and governmental environments, the impact could be broad, affecting both endpoint security and data privacy. The risk is amplified in sectors with strict data protection requirements and where macOS is part of critical infrastructure or operational technology.

European organizations should immediately deploy the security updates macOS Sonoma 14.8.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 to all affected devices to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies, limiting installation to trusted and vetted applications only. Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions can help enforce permission restrictions and monitor app behavior. Regular audits of installed applications and their permissions should be conducted to detect unauthorized or suspicious apps. User education on the risks of installing untrusted software is essential. Network segmentation and data access controls can limit the exposure of sensitive data even if a device is compromised. Organizations should also monitor for unusual data access patterns or exfiltration attempts from macOS endpoints. Finally, integrating endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for macOS can provide early detection of exploitation attempts.