CVE-2025-57741 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) affecting Fortinet's FortiClientMac software versions 7.0.0, 7.2.0 through 7.2.11, and 7.4.0 through 7.4.3. The flaw allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their privileges by hijacking LaunchDaemon processes. LaunchDaemons on macOS are system-level background services that run with elevated privileges. Improper permission settings on these critical resources enable an attacker to replace or manipulate the LaunchDaemon executable or configuration, causing the system to execute attacker-controlled code with elevated privileges. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, full system compromise, and bypass of security controls. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.0 reflects high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), low privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated high (C:H/I:H/A:H). The exploitability is partially confirmed (E:P), and the vulnerability is officially published with no known exploits in the wild yet. The vulnerability affects multiple recent FortiClientMac versions, indicating a broad attack surface for organizations using these versions. Since FortiClientMac is often deployed in enterprise environments for endpoint security and VPN access, exploitation could allow attackers to bypass endpoint protections and gain persistent, privileged access to macOS systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-57741 is significant due to the widespread use of FortiClientMac in corporate environments for secure remote access and endpoint protection. Successful exploitation allows local attackers—potentially malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited access—to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with system-level rights. This can lead to full compromise of affected macOS endpoints, enabling data theft, installation of persistent malware, disruption of services, and lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers can access sensitive information stored or processed on the device. Integrity is compromised as attackers can alter system files and security configurations. Availability may also be impacted if attackers disable security services or cause system instability. The lack of user interaction required increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation once local access is obtained. Organizations relying on FortiClientMac for endpoint security may find their defenses bypassed, increasing the risk of broader network compromise. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as proof-of-concept code or weaponized exploits may emerge.

1. Apply patches or updates from Fortinet as soon as they become available for FortiClientMac versions 7.0.0, 7.2.x, and 7.4.x to correct permission assignments on LaunchDaemon resources. 2. Until patches are available, restrict local user permissions on macOS systems to the minimum necessary, especially limiting access to system directories and LaunchDaemon configurations. 3. Implement strict endpoint security policies that monitor and alert on unauthorized changes to LaunchDaemon files or configurations. 4. Use macOS system integrity protection (SIP) features and verify they are enabled and properly configured to prevent unauthorized modifications to system files. 5. Conduct regular audits of local user accounts and remove or disable unnecessary accounts to reduce the attack surface. 6. Employ application whitelisting and runtime protection tools that can detect or block suspicious process injections or code execution attempts. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation and enforce strong physical and logical access controls to prevent unauthorized local access. 8. Monitor logs and endpoint telemetry for signs of privilege escalation attempts or anomalous LaunchDaemon activity.