CVE-2025-43542 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2025
This issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.3. Password fields may be unintentionally revealed when remotely controlling a device over FaceTime.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Apple's FaceTime implementation that could potentially expose sensitive authentication data during remote device control sessions. The issue specifically affects macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 and earlier versions where password fields might be inadvertently disclosed when users engage in remote screen sharing or device control activities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate state management within the FaceTime application's remote control functionality, creating a scenario where input fields including password entry areas could remain visible or accessible even when they should be obscured or masked during remote sessions. This represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where remote support operations are common and sensitive credential information may be transmitted through these channels. The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically relates to the improper handling of authentication credentials during remote access scenarios. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors who gain access to a remote session, potentially capturing passwords or other sensitive input data that would normally be protected through standard masking mechanisms. The issue demonstrates a failure in proper input field state management and session handling during remote desktop operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the FaceTime application's remote control protocols where the application fails to properly maintain the obscured state of input fields during screen sharing sessions. When a user initiates a remote control session through FaceTime, the application should ensure that all sensitive input areas including password fields remain masked regardless of the screen sharing state. However, the flawed state management allows these fields to display their contents or maintain their visible state during remote operations, creating an information disclosure vulnerability. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users enter passwords or other sensitive information while a remote session is active, potentially exposing this data to the remote operator. This issue intersects with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage, particularly in scenarios involving remote desktop protocols and screen sharing. The flaw essentially creates a window where authentication data can be captured without proper protection mechanisms, undermining the fundamental security assumptions of password masking and input field protection during remote access scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on remote support solutions. Enterprise environments that utilize FaceTime for remote technical support or employee assistance may face increased risk of credential theft, particularly when IT support staff need to access user devices for troubleshooting. The vulnerability could enable attackers to capture passwords, PINs, or other authentication credentials during legitimate remote sessions, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user accounts, network resources, and sensitive corporate data. Organizations with strict compliance requirements may find this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could violate data protection regulations and security standards that require proper handling of authentication information. The issue also affects scenarios where users may unknowingly expose sensitive information while conducting remote sessions, as the vulnerability operates at the application level without requiring specific user interaction beyond initiating the remote control session. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where remote access is common and where users may not be fully aware of the security implications of their actions.
Apple's resolution for CVE-2025-43542 involved implementing enhanced state management protocols within the FaceTime application to properly maintain the obscured state of input fields during remote control sessions. The fix ensures that password fields and other sensitive input areas remain properly masked regardless of the screen sharing or remote control state, preventing unintentional disclosure of authentication data. The update specifically addresses the improper handling of input field states and implements additional checks to verify that sensitive information remains protected during remote access operations. Organizations should immediately deploy macOS Sequoia 15.7.3 to remediate this vulnerability and should consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious remote access activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review their remote access policies and ensure that proper authentication controls are in place to mitigate potential risks from similar vulnerabilities in other remote access applications. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper state management in security-critical applications and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of remote access scenarios to identify potential information disclosure vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections and monitoring to detect unauthorized remote access attempts that could potentially exploit similar vulnerabilities in other applications or systems.