CVE-2025-43497 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to break out of its sandbox environment due to an access control weakness. The sandbox is a fundamental security feature in macOS that confines applications to a restricted environment, limiting their ability to access system resources or other applications' data. This vulnerability, classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicates that the system failed to properly enforce authorization checks, enabling a sandboxed app to escalate its privileges beyond intended boundaries. The issue was addressed by Apple through additional sandbox restrictions implemented in macOS Tahoe 26.1. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.2 (medium severity), reflecting that exploitation requires local access with low privileges (AV:L, PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), but has a scope change (S:C), and impacts confidentiality and integrity to a limited extent (C:L, I:L). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at this time. However, the potential for sandbox escape poses a significant risk, as it could allow malicious applications to access sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions on the system. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patch release, emphasizing the importance of timely updates. Given the sandbox's role in protecting system integrity, this vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or combined with other exploits to achieve broader system compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43497 centers on the potential for malicious or compromised applications to escape sandbox restrictions, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data and partial integrity breaches. This could undermine the security of systems handling confidential information, intellectual property, or personal data protected under GDPR. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, the breach of sandbox containment could facilitate further attacks, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks. Organizations relying heavily on macOS devices, especially in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and technology, may face increased risk. The medium severity score reflects that exploitation requires local access and some privileges, limiting remote attack vectors but still posing a threat from insider threats or malware delivered via social engineering. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to data breaches, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage within the European context.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Tahoe 26.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Implement strict application whitelisting and control policies to prevent installation or execution of untrusted or unsigned applications that could attempt sandbox escape. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for anomalous behaviors indicative of sandbox breakout attempts, such as unexpected access to restricted resources. 4. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk posed by low-privilege local exploits. 5. Conduct regular security awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could deliver malicious applications. 6. Audit and monitor logs for signs of sandbox violations or unusual application behavior. 7. For critical systems, consider network segmentation to contain potential compromises originating from macOS endpoints. 8. Maintain an inventory of macOS devices and ensure timely patch management processes are in place to quickly address future vulnerabilities.