CVE-2025-43390 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2025
A downgrade issue affecting Intel-based Mac computers was addressed with additional code-signing restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.2, macOS Tahoe 26.1. An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2025
This vulnerability represents a significant security downgrade issue impacting Intel-based mac computers that stems from insufficient code-signing enforcement mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious applications to potentially access user-sensitive data through compromised code-signing validation processes that were previously inadequate in detecting unauthorized modifications or installations. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running older versions of macOS where code-signing restrictions were not sufficiently robust to prevent malicious code execution. According to industry standards, this issue aligns with cwe-377 which addresses insecure temporary file handling and cwe-378 which covers insecure temporary file creation. The vulnerability operates at the system-level code integrity validation layer, where proper code-signing enforcement should prevent unauthorized applications from executing with elevated privileges or accessing protected user data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the macOS code-signing verification process that governs how applications are validated before execution. When code-signing restrictions are weakened or bypassed, applications can potentially manipulate system trust mechanisms to gain access to sensitive user information including personal files, credentials, and system data. This issue particularly affects Intel-based mac systems where the underlying architecture may have different code-signing validation paths compared to newer apple silicon implementations. The vulnerability enables what security researchers classify as privilege escalation and data exposure attacks that can occur through application-level manipulation of system trust models. From an attack perspective, this flaw represents a critical weakness in the macos security framework that allows for unauthorized data access without proper user consent or system validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Malicious actors could leverage this downgrade issue to install modified applications that appear legitimate but contain hidden malicious functionality designed to harvest user credentials, personal documents, or system configuration data. The vulnerability affects multiple macos versions including those prior to the patched releases of macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.1, meaning users running these older versions remain at risk. Organizations and individual users who have not updated to the patched versions face potential exposure to data theft, identity compromise, and system integrity violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mac computers may be running outdated software versions due to deployment delays or compatibility issues.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to the patched versions of macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 as recommended by apple security advisories. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all mac computers within their environment receive these critical updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unauthorized application installations, and conducting regular security audits of system code-signing configurations. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent code-signing bypass attempts. The remediation process should include verification that code-signing enforcement is properly functioning and that no applications have been installed that may have exploited this vulnerability. Security teams should also review system logs for any suspicious code-signing related activities and ensure that proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized modifications to system security parameters. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, requiring defensive measures that address both the immediate code-signing weakness and broader system integrity protection.