CVE-2025-43523 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically related to a permissions issue that allows an application to access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The root cause is insufficient enforcement of permission restrictions, which could enable malicious or compromised applications to bypass intended security controls and read data that should be protected. Apple has addressed this vulnerability in the macOS Sequoia 15.7.3 update by introducing additional restrictions on app permissions, thereby tightening access controls. The affected macOS versions are not explicitly specified, but the fix is available in the latest update. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating that active exploitation is not currently observed. The lack of a CVSS score limits precise severity quantification, but the potential for unauthorized data access suggests a significant confidentiality impact. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond app installation or execution, and the scope includes any macOS system running vulnerable versions. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict permission management in modern operating systems to prevent data leakage through compromised or malicious applications.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user and organizational data stored or processed on macOS devices. Unauthorized access by malicious applications could lead to data breaches, exposure of personal identifiable information (PII), intellectual property theft, and potential compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The integrity and availability of systems are less directly impacted, but the loss of confidentiality alone can have severe reputational and financial consequences. Organizations with macOS-heavy environments, including sectors like finance, technology, and government, are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits suggests a window of opportunity for proactive patching before attackers develop or deploy exploit code. Failure to update systems promptly could allow attackers to leverage this vulnerability to infiltrate networks, escalate privileges, or conduct espionage. The impact is amplified in environments where macOS devices are used to access critical infrastructure or sensitive data repositories.

To mitigate CVE-2025-43523, European organizations should immediately prioritize updating all macOS devices to version Sequoia 15.7.3 or later, which contains the necessary permission restrictions to address the vulnerability. Conduct a thorough audit of installed applications and their granted permissions to identify and revoke any excessive or unnecessary access rights. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that monitor and restrict unauthorized app behavior. Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted applications and enforce strict policies on software installation. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to centrally manage macOS updates and permissions configurations. Regularly review and update security policies to incorporate lessons learned from this vulnerability. Additionally, monitor system logs and network traffic for unusual access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Establish incident response plans tailored to macOS environments to quickly contain and remediate any breaches resulting from this or similar vulnerabilities.