CVE-2025-31187
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an application to modify protected parts of the macOS file system, potentially bypassing security restrictions. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems running vulnerable versions. The issue could enable unauthorized file system access or modification.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app could modify critical system files, install persistent malware, or compromise system integrity leading to complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Malicious app could modify user data, install unwanted software, or bypass security controls to access restricted files.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, impact limited to isolated app sandbox violations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. No public exploit code identified in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.5, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
macOSOnly allow apps from App Store and identified developers in Gatekeeper settings
Enable Full Disk Access Restrictions
macOSReview and restrict Full Disk Access permissions for applications in Privacy & Security settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious file system modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.5, Sequoia <15.4, or Sonoma <14.7.5, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file system modification events in unified logs
- Applications requesting excessive file system permissions
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - focus on endpoint detection
SIEM Query:
source="macos" event_type="file_modification" path="/System/*" OR path="/Library/*" | where app NOT IN (approved_apps_list)