CVE-2025-43481 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application to break out of its restricted execution environment. Sandboxing is a security mechanism that limits an app's access to system resources and user data, preventing it from performing unauthorized actions. This vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or enforcement of sandbox boundaries, enabling a malicious or compromised app to bypass these restrictions. The flaw was addressed by Apple through enhanced sandbox enforcement checks and is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2. The affected macOS versions are unspecified, but it is implied that versions prior to 15.7.2 are vulnerable. No public exploits have been reported, indicating the vulnerability is not yet actively exploited in the wild. However, the potential for sandbox escape is significant because it can allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges, access sensitive information, or execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox. This can lead to further compromise of the system, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond running the malicious app, increasing its risk profile. Since macOS is widely used in enterprise environments, especially in sectors like creative industries, finance, and government, this vulnerability poses a notable threat to organizations relying on Apple devices. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on impact and exploitability factors.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and potential lateral movement within networks if attackers leverage sandbox escape to escalate privileges. Organizations using macOS devices in sensitive roles—such as government agencies, financial institutions, and technology companies—face increased risk of espionage, data breaches, and operational disruption. The ability for an app to break out of its sandbox undermines the fundamental security model of macOS, potentially allowing malware to bypass containment and security controls. This could result in loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. Since no known exploits are currently active, the immediate risk is moderate, but the vulnerability should be treated with urgency due to the potential severity of exploitation. The impact is heightened in environments where macOS devices are integrated into critical infrastructure or handle regulated data under GDPR and other compliance regimes.

European organizations should immediately verify that all macOS devices are updated to macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Deploy centralized patch management solutions to ensure timely updates across all endpoints. Restrict installation of applications to trusted sources and enforce application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted or potentially malicious apps. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring for unusual behaviors indicative of sandbox escape attempts. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on macOS environments to identify potential exploitation vectors. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and enforce least privilege principles to limit the impact of any compromised app. For organizations with high security requirements, consider additional sandboxing or virtualization layers and monitor system logs for anomalies related to sandbox enforcement.