CVE-2025-43380 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2025
An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1, macOS Sonoma 14.8.2. Parsing a file may lead to an unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-43380 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that affects multiple macOS versions including Sequoia 15.7.2, Tahoe 26.1, and Sonoma 14.8.2. This issue stems from insufficient input validation during file parsing operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted files can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The flaw manifests when applications process untrusted file inputs without proper boundary checks, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as the out-of-bounds write can cause unexpected termination of applications and potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. When a vulnerable application parses a malicious file, the improper input validation allows memory addresses to be overwritten beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially leverage the memory corruption to inject and execute malicious payloads within the application context. The issue specifically affects file processing functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources.
Security professionals should understand that this vulnerability represents a significant risk to macOS environments, particularly in enterprise settings where users may encounter malicious files through email attachments, file downloads, or network shares. The fix implemented in the patched macOS versions includes enhanced input validation mechanisms that properly bounds check all file parsing operations. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates to prevent exploitation, as the out-of-bounds write condition creates a pathway for potential remote code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing memory corruption attacks, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. System administrators should implement additional monitoring for unusual application termination patterns and file processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.