CVE-2025-31195
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows malicious applications to escape their sandbox restrictions, potentially accessing system resources or other applications' data. It affects macOS systems running versions before Sequoia 15.4. Users who run untrusted applications are at risk.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise where a malicious app gains root privileges, accesses sensitive data from other applications, or installs persistent malware.
Likely Case
Limited data exfiltration from other sandboxed applications or unauthorized access to system resources beyond the app's intended permissions.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerability is patched or if only trusted, signed applications from the App Store are installed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to run a malicious application. Apple has not disclosed technical details to prevent weaponization.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122373
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install macOS Sequoia 15.4 update. 3. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Application Installation
allConfigure macOS to only allow App Store applications or applications from identified developers.
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Enable Gatekeeper
allEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled to block unsigned applications.
sudo spctl --status
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting via MDM to prevent untrusted applications from running.
- Educate users about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if earlier than Sequoia 15.4, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.4 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process spawning from sandboxed applications in system logs
- Console.app entries showing sandbox violations
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections from applications that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
process_name:("sandbox" OR "container") AND event_type:"violation"