CVE-2025-43527 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that stems from a permissions issue allowing local applications to gain root privileges. The root cause is insufficient restrictions on certain privileged operations, classified under CWE-280 (Improper Access Control). This flaw enables an attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) to escalate their rights to root without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched versions macOS Tahoe 26.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, which include additional restrictions to address the issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access, low attack complexity, privileges at the user level, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and results in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability's nature makes it a critical risk for systems where local access can be gained, such as through compromised user accounts or insider threats. The vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where macOS devices are used for sensitive operations or hold critical data. The fix involves applying the security patches released by Apple in the specified macOS versions, which implement additional restrictions to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for complete system compromise on macOS devices. Organizations relying on Apple hardware for development, creative work, or administrative tasks could face data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of business operations. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that attackers could steal intellectual property, modify or delete critical data, or render systems unusable. Given the local access requirement, the threat is elevated in environments where endpoint security is weak or where insider threats exist. The absence of user interaction in exploitation increases the risk of stealthy attacks. In sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and technology, where macOS adoption is notable, the vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks, escalating privileges to compromise additional systems. The lack of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive patching, but the high severity score demands urgent mitigation to prevent potential exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize deploying the security updates macOS Tahoe 26.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.3 as soon as possible to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should audit local user permissions and restrict the installation and execution of untrusted applications to reduce the risk of local privilege escalation. Implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions tailored for macOS can help detect suspicious activities indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Employing strict access controls and monitoring for anomalous behavior on macOS devices will aid in early detection. Organizations should also enforce the principle of least privilege for all users and services, minimizing the number of accounts with local access. Regularly reviewing and updating security policies related to macOS systems, including application whitelisting and system integrity protection, will further reduce exposure. Finally, educating users about the risks of running untrusted software and maintaining robust physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access are critical complementary measures.