CVE-2025-31198
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path handling vulnerability in macOS that allows improper symlink validation. Attackers could potentially exploit this to access or manipulate files they shouldn't have permission to access. The vulnerability affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma before specific patch versions.
💻 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
An attacker could gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Local attackers could bypass file permission controls to read or modify files they shouldn't have access to.
If Mitigated
With proper file permissions and user privilege separation, impact would be limited to files accessible by the user context.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation likely requires local access and some user interaction. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ 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
Restrict local user access
allLimit local user accounts and implement least privilege principles to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permission controls and audit sensitive file access
- Monitor for unusual file access patterns and implement application allowlisting
🔍 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 access patterns, especially symlink-related operations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for file access events involving symlinks from unexpected user contexts or processes