CVE-2025-31191
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an information disclosure vulnerability in Apple operating systems where an app could access sensitive user data due to improper state management. The vulnerability affects macOS, tvOS, iOS, and iPadOS users running outdated versions. Apple has addressed this through improved state management in security updates.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- tvOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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 →Tvos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app could access sensitive user data including personal information, credentials, or private files stored on the device.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in the App Store or sideloaded apps could access limited sensitive data within their sandbox boundaries.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact would be limited to data accessible within the app's permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. No public exploit details are available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.5, tvOS 18.4, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122371
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Install the latest available update for your OS version. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allLimit app installation to only trusted sources and the official App Store
Enable App Sandboxing
allEnsure app sandboxing is enabled to limit potential data access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies to prevent untrusted apps
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to enforce security controls and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your OS version in Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS) or Apple menu > About This Mac (macOS)Check Version:
sw_vers (macOS) or Settings > General > About > Version (iOS/iPadOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the fix information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app behavior accessing sensitive data stores
- App crashes related to data access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual data exfiltration from apps to external servers
SIEM Query:
Search for app process accessing sensitive file paths or data stores outside normal patterns🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122371
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122374
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122375
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122377
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/11
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/13
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/4
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/8
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/9
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/05/01/analyzing-cve-2025-31191-a-macos-security-scoped-bookmarks-based-sandbox-escape/
