CVE-2025-43467 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2025
This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.1. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in macOS Tahoe 26.1 that could allow a malicious application to obtain root privileges. The issue was resolved through enhanced validation mechanisms, but prior to the fix, the system's security controls were insufficient to prevent unauthorized elevation of privileges. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation attacks where an unprivileged process can potentially execute code with administrative rights, fundamentally compromising the operating system's security model. This type of flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability represents a significant weakness in the kernel's privilege management controls and could be exploited by malicious software to bypass standard security boundaries. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would be categorized under CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management, which specifically addresses inadequate control over system privileges and access rights. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage system vulnerabilities to gain elevated access rights. The fix implemented in macOS Tahoe 26.1 demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement within the operating system kernel. This vulnerability could have enabled attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive data with administrative privileges. The security implications extend beyond individual system compromise to potential network-wide infiltration through lateral movement techniques. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent exploitation of this privilege escalation vulnerability. The remediation approach taken by Apple involved strengthening the validation checks that govern how privilege levels are managed within the operating system. This type of vulnerability often arises from insufficient sanitization of system calls or improper handling of user-space to kernel-space transitions. The fix likely involved tightening access controls and implementing additional verification steps during privilege elevation processes. Security teams should monitor for any exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability and ensure all macOS systems are updated to version 26.1 or later. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date operating system versions and the potential risks associated with running outdated software. This particular flaw demonstrates how even minor security gaps in privilege management can result in complete system compromise. The resolution emphasizes the need for continuous security assessment and the implementation of robust privilege validation mechanisms across all system components. Organizations must recognize that privilege escalation vulnerabilities represent among the most serious security threats, as they directly undermine the fundamental security architecture of operating systems. The fix serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive security testing and validation of system controls, particularly those governing access rights and privilege management. This vulnerability highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting against sophisticated attacks that target core operating system functionality.