CVE-2025-43254: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-43254 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability discovered in macOS file processing functionality. The vulnerability was disclosed on July 29, 2025, affecting multiple versions of macOS including Sequoia 15.6, Ventura 13.7.7, and Sonoma 14.7.7. The issue was identified by security researcher 2ourc3 | Salim Largo (Apple Support).

The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds read issue (CWE-125) that occurs during file processing. The vulnerability received a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 7.1 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H, indicating local access requirements and high impact on confidentiality and availability (NVD).

When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to unexpected application termination when processing maliciously crafted files. This could potentially result in denial of service conditions and possible exposure of process memory (Apple Support, Apple Support).

The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction to exploit. An attacker would need to craft a malicious file that, when processed by the affected system, could trigger the out-of-bounds read condition (NVD).

Apple has addressed this vulnerability by implementing improved input validation in the security updates released for macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Ventura 13.7.7, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.7. Users are advised to update their systems to these versions to mitigate the risk (Apple Support, Apple Support, Apple Support).