CVE-2025-43245 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2025
A downgrade issue was addressed with additional code-signing restrictions. 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 access protected user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
This vulnerability represents a significant security regression in apple's operating systems that undermines the code-signing mechanisms designed to protect user data integrity. The issue manifests as a downgrade vulnerability that allows malicious applications to bypass critical code-signing restrictions that should prevent unauthorized access to protected user information. The flaw specifically affects macOS versions prior to the patched releases, creating a window where applications could potentially exploit weakened security controls to access sensitive user data. This represents a direct violation of apple's security model that relies on robust code-signing to ensure only legitimate applications can access protected system resources and user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of code-signing certificates during application execution, particularly when dealing with version downgrades or updates. Attackers could potentially leverage this weakness to install modified versions of legitimate applications that contain malicious code, thereby gaining unauthorized access to protected user data through the application's normal operational permissions. The vulnerability creates a pathway where the system's trust model is compromised, allowing applications to operate with elevated privileges that should be restricted based on proper code-signing verification. This issue falls under the broader category of code-signing bypass vulnerabilities that are classified as cwe-377: insecure temporary file creation and cwe-379: creation of temporary files in insecure locations, though the specific implementation focuses on certificate validation weaknesses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, as it fundamentally compromises the security assurances that users expect from apple's operating system. Applications that should be restricted from accessing sensitive user information can potentially exploit this weakness to read, modify, or exfiltrate protected data. The vulnerability affects all versions of macos prior to the patched releases, creating a substantial attack surface where malicious actors could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to user data. This type of vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and privilege escalation categories, particularly targeting the system security controls that protect user data integrity.
Organizations and users should immediately implement the recommended security updates to address this vulnerability, as the patched versions contain enhanced code-signing restrictions that prevent the exploitation path. The mitigation strategy involves ensuring all systems are updated to macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, or macOS Ventura 13.7.7, which contain the necessary code-signing improvements. Additional defensive measures should include monitoring for unauthorized application installations and implementing application control policies that prevent the execution of unsigned or improperly signed applications. Security teams should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify any potentially compromised systems that may have been exposed to this vulnerability before the patches were applied. The fix demonstrates apple's ongoing efforts to strengthen code-signing mechanisms and aligns with industry best practices for maintaining secure software distribution channels as outlined in various security standards and frameworks.