CVE-2025-43512 is a logic flaw vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application to elevate its privileges improperly. The root cause is a logic issue in the operating system's privilege management or security checks, which an attacker-controlled app could exploit to gain higher-level access than intended. This could enable unauthorized actions such as installing persistent malware, accessing sensitive data, or modifying system configurations. Apple addressed this vulnerability by implementing improved validation checks in the affected components, releasing fixes in macOS Sonoma 14.8.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.3. The affected versions are unspecified but presumably include all macOS releases prior to these patches. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, indicating either the vulnerability is newly discovered or not yet weaponized. However, the potential for privilege escalation makes this a significant threat, especially in environments where macOS is widely used. The lack of a CVSS score requires an assessment based on the nature of the flaw: privilege escalation vulnerabilities typically have a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation likely does not require user interaction beyond running a malicious app, and no authentication is needed if the attacker can execute code locally. This increases the risk profile. Organizations relying on macOS systems should consider this vulnerability critical to address promptly to prevent potential compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43512 could be substantial, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on macOS devices such as creative industries, software development, finance, and government agencies. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, bypassing normal user restrictions and security controls. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of system operations, and potential lateral movement within networks. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems could be severely compromised. Given the widespread use of macOS in certain European countries and enterprises, unpatched systems represent a significant attack surface. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window of opportunity for proactive patching and mitigation before active exploitation occurs. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to the patched versions: macOS Sonoma 14.8.3 or macOS Sequoia 15.7.3. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, limiting software sources to trusted vendors and the Apple App Store to reduce the risk of malicious apps. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation behaviors and anomalous app activities. 4. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and system logs to identify unauthorized privilege escalations or unexpected system changes. 5. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of timely system updates. 6. Employ macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper to limit the ability of apps to modify critical system components. 7. Integrate vulnerability management processes to track and promptly remediate macOS vulnerabilities. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit the impact of compromised macOS devices on broader enterprise infrastructure.