CVE-2025-43238 is classified as a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS. This vulnerability allows an integer overflow that could potentially lead to unexpected system termination. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.2, indicating a moderate risk which organizations should not overlook. It is critical for defenders to address this issue promptly to prevent any disruptions.
The vulnerability was published on April 2, 2026, and affects multiple versions of macOS. Specifically, it is present in all versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7. Organizations utilizing these affected versions should prioritize patching to ensure operational integrity.
The exploitation status for this vulnerability indicates that there are no known public exploits or proof-of-concept code available. However, the potential for exploitation still exists, thus organizations should remain vigilant.
Given the high availability impact and the fact that no privileges or user interaction are required to exploit this vulnerability, organizations should address this issue in their priority patch cycle.
Vulnerability Details
An integer overflow was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination.
The CVSS v3.1 score for this vulnerability is 6.2, categorized as medium severity. It has a local attack vector, low attack complexity, and does not require any privileges or user interaction. The scope remains unchanged, with no confidentiality or integrity impact, but a significant availability impact.
The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification for this vulnerability is CWE-190, indicating an integer overflow. This underscores the importance of robust input validation in software design.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow due to insufficient input validation. This allows an attacker to manipulate input values that could lead to unexpected behavior, including system termination.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning an attacker would need access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required for exploitation. Additionally, user interaction is not necessary, making it easier for potential attackers.
The impact on availability is high, as the vulnerability could cause system crashes. However, there is no impact on confidentiality or integrity, which minimizes the overall risk profile associated with data breaches.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unexpected system terminations, which could disrupt operations and lead to data loss. The availability impact is particularly concerning, as it could affect critical services relying on the affected macOS versions. Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability, especially if they are using the affected versions of macOS.
Given that this vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.2, it falls into the medium severity category, indicating that it should be addressed in the priority patch cycle. Organizations utilizing the affected macOS versions should evaluate their risk posture and take action to mitigate potential disruptions.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, as the potential for exploitation exists despite the current lack of public exploits. Regular patch management and vulnerability assessments are essential to maintaining a secure environment.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of macOS include all versions prior to macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, and macOS Ventura 13.7.7. Organizations should upgrade to these versions to mitigate the vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately by upgrading to macOS Sequoia 15.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, or macOS Ventura 13.7.7. In case the patch is not immediately available, organizations should implement configuration hardening to limit the attack surface.
Further, organizations should consider implementing preventative measures such as restricting access to potentially vulnerable applications and conducting regular security assessments. Monitoring system logs for unusual behavior can also help in early detection of any exploitation attempts.
Organizations can enhance their security posture by utilizing services such as continuous penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities proactively.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for indicators such as unexpected application crashes or system restarts can help in identifying potential exploitation attempts related to this vulnerability. It's crucial for security teams to track behavioral anomalies that deviate from normal system operations.
Network signatures for known vulnerabilities should be established to detect malicious activity exploiting this vulnerability. Regular system audits can also assist in spotting unauthorized changes that may indicate an attempted exploit.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-43238 lies in its demonstration of the need for continuous input validation and the importance of robust security practices in software development. This vulnerability highlights a common flaw that can have severe operational impacts.
Security teams should take this opportunity to review their application security practices and ensure that input validation is consistently enforced. The trend of vulnerabilities stemming from input handling errors is a persistent threat that requires ongoing attention.
For organizations looking to enhance their security posture, engaging in penetration testing services can provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities and help establish a more resilient security framework.
Furthermore, organizations should consider adopting a comprehensive vulnerability management program to continuously assess and improve their security posture against such vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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