CVE-2025-43416: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-43416 is a logic issue in the sudo component of macOS that allows a locally authenticated app to access protected user data. It affects macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.8.3 and macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.7.3; it is also fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.2. The vulnerability was disclosed on December 12, 2025, and was discovered by Gergely Kalman (@gergely_kalman) (Apple Sequoia Advisory, Apple Sonoma Advisory). It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.5 (Medium) per NIST NVD, though CISA-ADP assigned a higher score of 9.8 (Critical) reflecting a broader attack surface assessment (Apple Sequoia Advisory).

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and stems from a logic issue in macOS's sudo component that failed to enforce sufficient restrictions on data access (Apple Sequoia Advisory, Apple Sonoma Advisory). The attack vector is local, requiring low privileges and no user interaction, meaning a malicious app already running on the system can exploit the flaw to read protected user data without additional authentication. Apple addressed the issue by implementing improved restrictions in the affected component. No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been identified at this time.

Successful exploitation allows a malicious application to access protected user data that should be restricted by macOS access controls, resulting in a high confidentiality impact with no integrity or availability impact (Apple Sequoia Advisory, Apple Sonoma Advisory). The scope is limited to the local system, but sensitive personal data — such as credentials, documents, or other user-protected files — could be exposed to an unauthorized app. This could facilitate further attacks if the accessed data includes authentication material or other sensitive information.

Apple has released patches addressing this vulnerability in macOS Sonoma 14.8.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.2, all released on December 12, 2025 (Apple Sequoia Advisory, Apple Sonoma Advisory, Apple Tahoe Advisory). Users should update their macOS installations to the patched versions via System Settings > Software Update. No configuration-based workarounds have been published by Apple; upgrading to a fixed version is the only recommended remediation.

The CIS Security advisory noted multiple vulnerabilities in Apple products patched in this release cycle, including CVE-2025-43416, and flagged the broader update as addressing issues that could allow arbitrary code execution (CIS Advisory). The SANS Internet Storm Center also covered the December 2025 Apple security updates (SANS ISC). No significant independent researcher commentary or social media discussion specific to this CVE has been identified beyond standard vulnerability tracking.