CVE-2025-46289 is a logic vulnerability in Apple macOS identified as a file handling flaw that allows an application to bypass intended access controls and read protected user data. The vulnerability stems from improper enforcement of access restrictions during file operations, categorized under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization). It affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to the patched releases: macOS Tahoe 26.2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.3. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), none on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This means an attacker with local access can trick a user into running a malicious app that exploits the logic flaw to read sensitive user files without authorization. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a risk of data leakage. The fix involves improved file handling logic implemented in the specified macOS versions. Organizations relying on macOS devices should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk, especially where sensitive data confidentiality is critical.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-46289 is unauthorized disclosure of protected user data, which could include personal information, credentials, or corporate secrets stored on macOS endpoints. This can lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), reputational damage, and potential financial loss. Since exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the threat is more relevant in scenarios involving social engineering, insider threats, or compromised devices. Sectors with high macOS usage such as technology, finance, and creative industries are particularly at risk. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so it is less likely to cause service disruption but remains a significant confidentiality concern. Failure to patch could enable attackers to escalate data access beyond normal permissions, undermining endpoint security.

1. Immediately apply the security updates provided in macOS Tahoe 26.2, Sequoia 15.7.3, and Sonoma 14.8.3 to all affected systems. 2. Restrict installation of applications to trusted sources, such as the Apple App Store or verified developers, to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. 3. Implement endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous file access patterns or unauthorized data exfiltration attempts. 4. Educate users on the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of avoiding suspicious links or downloads that could trigger exploitation. 5. Employ strict access controls and device management policies to limit local access and reduce the attack surface. 6. Monitor logs and audit trails for unusual file access activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Consider deploying application whitelisting and sandboxing technologies to contain app behaviors. 8. Regularly review and update security policies to incorporate lessons learned from this vulnerability.