CVE-2025-43514 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2025
The issue was addressed with improved handling of caches. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.2. An app may be able to access protected user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2025
CVE-2025-43514 represents a security vulnerability in macOS Tahoe 26.2 that stems from inadequate cache handling mechanisms within the operating system. This flaw allows applications to potentially access protected user data through compromised cache management processes. The vulnerability specifically targets the way the system handles cached information, creating an avenue for unauthorized data access that could compromise user privacy and system integrity. The issue was addressed through enhanced cache handling procedures that strengthen the isolation and protection of sensitive user information. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of information disclosure flaws that can lead to privilege escalation or data breach scenarios. The fix implemented in macOS Tahoe 26.2 demonstrates the importance of proper cache management in maintaining system security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of cache inconsistency or improper cache invalidation mechanisms that should prevent applications from accessing data they shouldn't be able to reach. When cache handling is not properly secured, applications may be able to retrieve cached data from other processes or user sessions, effectively bypassing normal access controls. This scenario aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a classic example of how cache-related security issues can undermine system confidentiality. The flaw likely involves improper cache key management or insufficient validation of cache access permissions that allows malicious or legitimate applications to query cached data belonging to other users or processes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information including personal data, credentials, or confidential documents stored in application caches. The potential for data exposure makes this a critical concern for organizations relying on macOS systems, particularly in environments where multiple users share the same system or where applications handle sensitive information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance, escalate privileges, or conduct targeted data theft campaigns. The issue also impacts the overall security posture by weakening the cache isolation mechanisms that are fundamental to maintaining process separation and user data protection. This vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain, potentially leading to more severe consequences when combined with other exploitation techniques.
Recommended mitigations for CVE-2025-43514 include immediate deployment of macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates to address the cache handling improvements. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual cache access patterns and ensure proper application sandboxing to limit potential data exposure. System administrators should review application permissions and cache configurations to minimize the attack surface. The fix addresses the underlying cache management implementation, making it compliant with security best practices for data isolation. Additionally, organizations should conduct security assessments to identify any applications that might be vulnerable to similar cache-related issues and implement proper input validation and access control measures. This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive cache security testing as part of the software development lifecycle. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 which covers data staging through cache dumping, emphasizing the need for proper cache security controls to prevent unauthorized data access.