CVE-2025-46291 is a logic vulnerability in Apple macOS's Gatekeeper security mechanism, which is responsible for verifying the integrity and trustworthiness of applications before execution. The flaw allows an application to bypass Gatekeeper's validation checks due to improper logic handling, potentially enabling untrusted or malicious applications to run without triggering security warnings or user denial. Gatekeeper typically enforces app signing and notarization requirements to prevent malware execution. This vulnerability does not require elevated privileges or authentication but does require local access and some user interaction, such as opening or executing the app. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the limited attack vector (local), low complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction. The vulnerability impacts the integrity of the system by allowing unauthorized code execution, though confidentiality and availability are not directly affected. Apple addressed this issue with improved validation logic in macOS Tahoe 26.2. No public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported to date. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-693 (Protection Mechanism Failure), indicating a failure in security control logic. Organizations running macOS versions prior to 26.2 are susceptible and should prioritize patching. The threat is particularly relevant for environments where users may install third-party software or where endpoint security relies heavily on Gatekeeper for malware prevention.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the integrity of macOS endpoints. Successful exploitation could allow malicious applications to execute without proper Gatekeeper validation, potentially leading to malware infections, unauthorized code execution, or lateral movement within networks. This can undermine endpoint security controls and increase the risk of data breaches or operational disruptions. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that use macOS devices are at higher risk due to the sensitivity of their data and regulatory obligations under GDPR and other frameworks. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate insider threats or risks from social engineering attacks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity score indicates the need for timely remediation to prevent future attacks. Failure to patch could also impact compliance with security standards that mandate up-to-date software and vulnerability management.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to version Tahoe 26.2 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Enforce strict application whitelisting policies using Apple’s built-in tools such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Endpoint Security Framework to limit execution of untrusted software. 3. Educate users about the risks of executing unverified applications and the importance of Gatekeeper warnings to reduce successful social engineering attempts. 4. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and alerting on suspicious application behaviors that may indicate Gatekeeper bypass attempts. 5. Regularly audit installed applications and software sources to ensure compliance with organizational security policies. 6. Restrict local user privileges where possible to minimize the impact of local exploitation. 7. Monitor security advisories from Apple and apply patches promptly to stay protected against emerging threats related to this vulnerability.