CVE-2025-43268

macOS Permissions Issue Enabling Root Privilege Escalation

Published Aug 29, 2025 CVSS 3.1 · 7.8 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

A permissions flaw in macOS allows a malicious application to bypass security restrictions and obtain root privileges. This weakness stems from improper enforcement of least‑privilege controls (CWE‑732) and could let an attacker execute any code, modify system files, and compromise the entire operating system. The attack could be launched from a local malicious app that the user installs or runs on the machine.

Affected Systems

Apple macOS, including all releases prior to macOS Sequoia 15.6. The issue was resolved in macOS Sequoia 15.6, so systems running earlier versions or earlier point releases are potentially vulnerable.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.8 reflects a high severity level, but the EPSS score of less than 1% indicates a very low likelihood of exploitation in the wild, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. Nonetheless, a local attacker who succeeds in running a malicious app can gain root access, giving full control over the affected system. The risk is therefore significant for any environment where privileged binaries could be introduced or where untrusted applications might be executed.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Install macOS Sequoia 15.6 or a later update that contains the fix.
  • Reboot the machine after applying the update to ensure that the updated security controls are loaded.
  • If an immediate upgrade is not possible, enforce stricter Gatekeeper policies or deploy MDM rules that block the execution or installation of third‑party apps that are not signed by Apple.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on April 28, 2026 at 00:27 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2025-26254 A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title macOS Permissions Issue Enabling Root Privilege Escalation
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple macos Sequoia
Vendors & Products Apple macos Sequoia
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple
Apple macos
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Apple
Apple macos
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-732
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
Description A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.
References
Weaknesses
  • CWE-732

    Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
apple
Published
Updated
Apr 2, 2026, 6:13 PM
Reserved
Apr 16, 2025, 3:24 PM
Status
Modified
Published
Aug 29, 2025, 1:15 AM
Modified
Oct 18, 2026, 9:10 PM