CVE-2025-31194
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows macOS shortcuts to execute with administrative privileges without proper authentication. It affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems before specific patch versions. Attackers could gain elevated privileges on vulnerable systems.
💻 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
Full system compromise with root-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data exfiltration, and complete control of the affected system.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where an attacker with user access gains administrative privileges to install software, modify system settings, or access protected data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper patch management and least privilege principles are implemented, restricting unauthorized shortcut execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to execute a malicious shortcut. Public disclosures suggest working exploit methods exist.
🛠️ 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 > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Shortcuts Automation
macOSTemporarily disable Shortcuts automation features to prevent exploitation
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.security.smartcard DisabledTokens -array com.apple.CryptoTokenKit.pivtoken
Note: This may break legitimate automation workflows
Restrict Shortcuts Execution
macOSUse macOS Privacy & Security settings to restrict which apps can control shortcuts
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation > Review and restrict app permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles - ensure users don't have administrative rights by default
- Monitor for suspicious shortcut executions and privilege escalation attempts using endpoint detection tools
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: Ventura < 13.7.5, Sequoia < 15.4, or Sonoma < 14.7.5Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm macOS version is Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected shortcut executions with elevated privileges in system logs
- Authentication bypass events in security logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following shortcut execution
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="shortcut_execution" OR event="privilege_escalation") AND user!="root" AND privilege="admin"