CVE-2025-57741 is a vulnerability in Fortinet's FortiClientMac software versions 7.0.0, 7.2.0 through 7.2.11, and 7.4.0 through 7.4.3, identified as an Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource (CWE-732). This flaw allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their rights by hijacking LaunchDaemon processes. LaunchDaemons on macOS run background services with elevated privileges, and improper permission settings on these critical resources enable unauthorized modification or replacement of daemon files or configurations. By exploiting this, an attacker can execute arbitrary code or commands with elevated privileges, potentially gaining full control over the system. The vulnerability requires local access but no user interaction, making it a significant threat in environments where multiple users have local accounts or where attackers can gain initial foothold through other means. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.0 reflects high severity, with metrics indicating low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability's nature suggests it could be weaponized for persistent and stealthy attacks. Fortinet has reserved the CVE and published details, but patch links are not yet available, indicating that remediation is forthcoming. Organizations using FortiClientMac should prepare to deploy updates and review system permissions to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to endpoint security, especially in sectors relying on FortiClientMac for VPN, endpoint protection, or network access control. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, disruption of services, and lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers can access sensitive data; integrity is compromised through unauthorized code execution; availability may be affected by malicious modifications or denial-of-service conditions. In regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, such breaches could lead to severe compliance violations and operational disruptions. The local access requirement limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as attackers often gain initial access through phishing or other means. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score underscores urgency. European organizations with mixed macOS environments and Fortinet deployments must prioritize this vulnerability to prevent potential targeted attacks or insider threats.

1. Monitor Fortinet's official channels for the release of security patches addressing CVE-2025-57741 and apply them immediately upon availability. 2. Conduct a thorough audit of LaunchDaemon permissions on all macOS endpoints running FortiClientMac to identify and correct any improper permission assignments. 3. Implement strict local user privilege management policies to minimize the number of users with local access rights capable of exploiting this vulnerability. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious modifications to LaunchDaemon files or unusual process behaviors indicative of hijacking attempts. 5. Enforce network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of a compromised endpoint. 6. Educate users about the risks of local account compromise and enforce strong authentication mechanisms to reduce initial access opportunities. 7. Regularly review and update macOS security configurations and hardening guidelines to reduce attack surface related to daemon processes. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing local privilege escalation scenarios to enable rapid containment and remediation.