CVE-2025-43196

Path Handling Vulnerability Allowing Root Privilege Escalation in macOS

View on CVE.org
Published Jul 29, 2025 CVSS 3.1 · 7.8 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7. An app may be able to gain root privileges.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

A path handling flaw was identified in macOS that could allow a malicious application to manipulate file paths and gain root privileges. The flaw is based on improper validation of path inputs, a classic directory traversal weakness (CWE‑22). Apple addressed the vulnerability with enhanced input checks in macOS Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, and Ventura 13.7.7.

Affected Systems

The affected products are Apple macOS operating systems. Versions released before macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7 are vulnerable. All earlier macOS releases retain the path handling flaw until the specified patched releases.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a high severity. EPSS is reported as < 1%, suggesting low current exploitation probability, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. An attacker can install a crafted application that exploits the path handling issue to elevate privileges to root. The attack vector is inferred to be a local or application‑based exploitation rather than remote.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Install macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, or macOS Ventura 13.7.7 to apply the security patch that fixes the path validation flaw.
  • Until the update is applied, block execution of untrusted or unfamiliar applications that might use the vulnerable path handling code.
  • Keep system integrity protection enabled and review audit logs for attempts to invoke privileged operations at unanticipated times.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on April 28, 2026 at 00:30 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2025-23082 A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Path Handling Vulnerability Allowing Root Privilege Escalation in macOS
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-22
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple
Apple macos
Apple macos Sequoia
Apple macos Sonoma
Apple macos Ventura
Vendors & Products Apple
Apple macos
Apple macos Sequoia
Apple macos Sonoma
Apple macos Ventura
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
References
Earlier changes (1)
Weaknesses
  • CWE-22

    Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
apple
Published
Updated
Apr 2, 2026, 6:18 PM
Reserved
Apr 16, 2025, 3:24 PM

View source JSON

Updated
Nov 3, 2025, 7:59 PM

JSON

Status
Modified
Published
Jul 30, 2025, 12:15 AM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 9:23 AM

View source JSON

No data.

Updated
Apr 28, 2026, 12:45 AM

JSON