CVE-2025-46282 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple Safari, specifically affecting the ability of an app to access sensitive user data due to insufficient permissions enforcement. The vulnerability was discovered and reserved in April 2025 and publicly disclosed in December 2025. The affected versions are unspecified, but the issue has been addressed in macOS Tahoe 26.2 and Safari 26.2 through the implementation of additional permissions checks. The core of the vulnerability lies in the browser's failure to properly restrict app access to sensitive user data, which could include browsing history, cookies, autofill information, or other personal data stored or accessible via Safari. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation exists if a malicious app or webpage can leverage this flaw to bypass security controls. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that detailed impact metrics are not yet available, but the nature of the vulnerability suggests a significant risk to user confidentiality. The vulnerability does not explicitly state whether user interaction or authentication is required, but given it involves an app accessing data, some level of user action (such as installing or running an app) is likely necessary. The fix involves enhanced permission checks to ensure that only authorized processes can access sensitive data, thereby mitigating unauthorized data exposure. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations and users relying on Apple Safari on macOS platforms, emphasizing the need for timely patching and security hygiene.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-46282 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data, which can compromise user privacy and organizational confidentiality. For European organizations, this could lead to exposure of personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability could be exploited to harvest browsing data, credentials, or other sensitive information, facilitating further attacks such as phishing, identity theft, or corporate espionage. The impact on integrity and availability appears limited, as the vulnerability focuses on unauthorized data access rather than data modification or service disruption. However, the breach of confidentiality alone can have severe consequences, especially for sectors handling sensitive or regulated data such as finance, healthcare, and government. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details are public. Organizations using Safari in mixed environments or with remote workers using macOS devices are particularly at risk if patches are not applied promptly.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Tahoe 26.2 and Safari to version 26.2 or later to apply the official patch addressing the vulnerability. 2. Conduct an inventory of all Apple devices within the organization to ensure compliance with the update policy. 3. Restrict app installation privileges to trusted sources and enforce application whitelisting to prevent untrusted apps from running. 4. Review and tighten Safari privacy and security settings, including limiting access to sensitive data and disabling unnecessary extensions or plugins. 5. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual app behavior related to data access. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and encourage vigilance against phishing or social engineering attempts that could lead to exploitation. 7. Monitor security advisories from Apple and related threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity or additional patches. 8. For organizations with sensitive data, consider additional data loss prevention (DLP) controls to detect and block unauthorized data exfiltration attempts.