CVE-2025-43330 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2025
This issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Tahoe 26. An app may be able to break out of its sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
This vulnerability represents a sandbox escape flaw that allows applications to bypass security restrictions imposed by the operating system's sandboxing mechanisms. The issue specifically affects macOS versions prior to 15.7 and 26, where certain applications could potentially exploit weaknesses in the sandbox implementation to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Sandboxing is a critical security feature that isolates applications from each other and from the underlying system, preventing malicious code from accessing sensitive data or executing harmful operations. The vulnerability essentially undermines this fundamental security boundary by enabling an application to break out of its designated execution environment.
The technical nature of this flaw involves a code path that permits privilege escalation or unauthorized system access through sandboxed applications. While the exact technical implementation details are not provided in the description, such sandbox escape vulnerabilities typically stem from improper input validation, insufficient privilege checks, or flaws in inter-process communication mechanisms that allow malicious applications to manipulate system calls or access restricted APIs. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack tree model, where adversaries seek to elevate privileges or circumvent access controls to achieve broader system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations deploying affected macOS versions, as it could enable attackers to compromise user data, system integrity, and overall security posture. Applications running on affected systems could potentially access files, network resources, or system processes that should normally be restricted. This represents a critical security risk that could lead to data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, or further exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability affects the core security model of macOS, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where sandboxing is a primary defense mechanism against malware and privilege escalation attacks.
The fix implemented by Apple involves the complete removal of the vulnerable code paths that enabled the sandbox escape. This approach aligns with security best practices for addressing critical vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting fundamental system security features. Organizations should prioritize updating to macOS Sequoia 15.7 or Tahoe 26 to mitigate this risk. The remediation demonstrates the importance of maintaining current system patches and following vendor security advisories. This vulnerability also highlights the ongoing challenge of securing modern operating systems where complex security features like sandboxing must balance usability with protection. The fix addresses the root cause rather than implementing workarounds, which provides a more robust long-term solution. Security teams should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other system components and ensure comprehensive testing of security features after system updates to maintain operational security standards.