CVE-2025-43479 is a permissions-related vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application to access sensitive user data improperly. The root cause is a permissions misconfiguration or insufficient restrictions on data access controls, classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information). This flaw enables an unprivileged app to read sensitive information without requiring elevated privileges, but it does require user interaction, such as launching or interacting with the app. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the system. The vulnerability does not impact the integrity or availability of the system but compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive user data. Apple addressed this issue by implementing additional restrictions on data access permissions in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, and Sonoma 14.8.2. No public exploits have been reported, and the vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in November 2025. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting medium severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction needed. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict permission enforcement in modern operating systems to protect user privacy and data confidentiality.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. This could include personal information, credentials stored in keychains, or other confidential data accessible by apps. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, which could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and potential reputational damage. Since the attack requires local access and user interaction, the threat is more relevant in environments where users may install untrusted applications or where insider threats exist. Organizations with a significant number of macOS endpoints, such as creative agencies, software development firms, and enterprises using Apple hardware, are particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future exploitation. Failure to patch could lead to data leakage incidents that may trigger regulatory scrutiny and financial penalties under European data protection laws.

European organizations should prioritize deploying the security updates macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, and Sonoma 14.8.2 across all affected devices without delay. Implement strict application control policies to restrict installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual access to sensitive data by applications. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and the importance of applying system updates promptly. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and permissions to detect and remediate any unauthorized access. Consider leveraging macOS’s built-in privacy and security features, such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and app sandboxing, to limit app capabilities. For organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, enforce compliance checks to ensure devices are updated and secure. Finally, maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for data leakage incidents to minimize impact if exploitation occurs.