CVE-2025-31188
📋 TL;DR
A race condition vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass Privacy preferences, potentially accessing protected data without user consent. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma users who haven't applied security updates. The vulnerability enables apps to circumvent system privacy controls.
💻 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 gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data (camera, microphone, location, contacts, files) without triggering privacy permission prompts, leading to complete privacy compromise.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised legitimate apps bypass privacy controls to access protected resources, potentially exfiltrating personal data or conducting surveillance.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the race condition is eliminated through additional validation, ensuring privacy preferences are properly enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed and executed on the target system. The race condition timing makes exploitation non-trivial but feasible.
🛠️ 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: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Verify installation by checking macOS version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
macOSUse macOS privacy controls to restrict application permissions and monitor app behavior.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM or parental controls
- Regularly audit installed applications and remove unnecessary or suspicious apps
🔍 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 matches patched versions: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privacy permission grants in system logs
- Applications accessing protected resources without corresponding permission prompts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="privacy_violation" OR app_access="unauthorized")