CVE-2025-46278 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access protected user data improperly due to insufficient handling of caches. Specifically, the vulnerability arises from the way macOS manages cached data, which can inadvertently expose sensitive user information to applications that should not have such access. The flaw is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information) and is addressed by improved cache handling in macOS Tahoe 26.2. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.0 (medium severity), with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N indicating that an attacker requires local access with low privileges, some user interaction, and that the vulnerability impacts confidentiality only without affecting integrity or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched release. The root cause relates to cache management mechanisms that failed to isolate sensitive data properly, allowing unauthorized read access by applications. This vulnerability is significant because it undermines the confidentiality of user data on macOS devices, potentially exposing personal or corporate information to malicious or unauthorized apps.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS devices, including corporate laptops and desktops used by employees. Exposure of protected data could lead to information leakage, privacy violations, and potential compliance issues under regulations such as GDPR. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, unauthorized data access can facilitate further attacks or espionage. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits the attack surface primarily to insider threats or malware already present on the device. Organizations with a significant macOS user base, especially in sectors handling sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, and government, face higher risks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat levels but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation. Failure to patch could result in data breaches and reputational damage, especially in countries with strict data protection laws.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to version Tahoe 26.2 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict application control policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unnecessary apps, reducing the risk of local exploitation. 3. Implement endpoint security solutions that monitor and restrict app behavior, particularly those accessing sensitive caches or user data. 4. Educate users on the risks of granting permissions and interacting with untrusted applications to minimize user interaction exploitation vectors. 5. Regularly audit macOS devices for compliance with security policies and patch levels. 6. Use macOS built-in privacy and security features to restrict app access to sensitive data and caches. 7. Consider network segmentation and access controls to limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. 8. Monitor for unusual local access patterns or privilege escalations that could indicate exploitation attempts.