CVE-2025-43199

macOS Privilege Escalation via Permissions Bypass

Published Jul 29, 2025 CVSS 3.1 · 9.8 Critical EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A permissions issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

The vulnerability arises from a permissions flaw that was remedied by removing the vulnerable code. An attacker can exploit this flaw by installing or executing a malicious application that gains root privileges, compromising system integrity and confidentiality by enabling full control over the machine. The weakness aligns with CWE-269, reflecting improper authorization controls.

Affected Systems

Apple macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, and Ventura 13.7.7 are affected. Users running earlier releases of these macOS families are at risk until they apply the security update that removed the vulnerable code.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a severe threat. The EPSS score is below 1%, suggesting low current exploitation probability, and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA KEV. Nevertheless, the flaw could be exploited locally by any application with normal user permissions, making the attack vector likely a malicious or compromised app installed by the user or through software distribution channels. Given the critical severity, patching remains essential.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Update macOS to the latest security release: Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, or Ventura 13.7.7, which removes the vulnerable permissions code.
  • Revoke any existing access grants that were improperly elevated by the vulnerability, ensuring apps run with the least privilege necessary.
  • Enforce Gatekeeper policies to block unsigned or non-notarized applications from installing or executing.
  • Monitor system logs for anomalous privilege escalation events and apply any additional security controls such as integrity protection tools.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on April 28, 2026 at 00:43 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2025-23085 A permissions issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title macOS Privilege Escalation via Permissions Bypass
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-269
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 9.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', '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 permissions issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.
References
Weaknesses
  • CWE-269

    Improper Privilege Management

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
apple
Published
Updated
Apr 2, 2026, 6:15 PM
Reserved
Apr 16, 2025, 3:24 PM
Status
Modified
Published
Jul 30, 2025, 12:15 AM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 9:23 AM