CVE-2025-43517 is a privacy vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that stems from insufficient redaction of private user data in system log entries. This flaw allows an application running on the affected system to access protected user data that should normally be concealed within logs. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved private data redaction mechanisms in log entries, with patches released in macOS Sonoma 14.8.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.3. The exact affected versions are unspecified, but it is implied that all versions prior to these patches are vulnerable. The root cause is the inadequate sanitization of sensitive information before it is written to logs, which can be exploited by malicious applications with the capability to read these logs. Although there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, the vulnerability poses a significant privacy risk because it could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond app installation, but it does require that the malicious app be present on the system. This increases the risk in environments where users may install untrusted or malicious software. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality primarily, with potential secondary impacts on integrity if the data accessed is used to facilitate further attacks. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an expert severity assessment, which is high due to the sensitivity of the data involved and the ease of exploitation once an app is installed. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for European organizations that rely on macOS systems, especially those in sectors with strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. The mitigation involves applying the official Apple patches promptly and reviewing application permissions and system logging configurations to minimize exposure. Monitoring for unusual access patterns to logs and restricting app installation policies can further reduce risk.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-43517 is the potential unauthorized access to protected user data, which can lead to privacy violations and non-compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Sensitive information leakage could damage organizational reputation, result in regulatory fines, and facilitate further attacks if the leaked data includes credentials or other exploitable information. Organizations in sectors handling highly sensitive personal or corporate data—such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies—face heightened risks. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in macOS-based systems, which are widely used in European enterprises and public sector organizations. Since the vulnerability can be exploited by an app without requiring user interaction beyond installation, insider threats or supply chain compromises could increase the risk of exploitation. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits following public disclosure. Failure to patch promptly could expose organizations to data breaches and associated operational disruptions.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to the patched versions: macOS Sonoma 14.8.3 or macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, as applicable. 2. Implement strict application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of unauthorized or untrusted apps that could exploit this vulnerability. 3. Audit and restrict permissions related to log access, ensuring that only trusted system components and administrators can read sensitive logs. 4. Monitor system logs and application behavior for unusual access patterns or attempts to read protected data. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing unverified applications and the importance of timely patching. 6. Review and harden logging configurations to minimize the amount of sensitive data recorded in logs where possible. 7. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous app behavior related to log access. 8. For organizations with high compliance requirements, conduct regular privacy impact assessments and vulnerability scans to ensure no residual exposure remains.