CVE-2025-31212
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious apps to access sensitive user data on Apple devices due to improper state management. It affects users running older versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS before the patched releases.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
- visionOS
📦 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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive user data including personal information, credentials, or private files stored by legitimate applications.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in the App Store could potentially access data from other apps without proper authorization, leading to privacy violations.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact is limited to data accessible within the app's designated permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. No public exploit code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122404
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources and the official App Store
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict app permissions in device settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app installation policies and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About > Software VersionCheck Version:
Settings > General > About > Software Version (iOS/iPadOS) or About This Mac > Software Update (macOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify device is running iOS 18.5+, iPadOS 18.5+, macOS Sequoia 15.5+, watchOS 11.5+, tvOS 18.5+, or visionOS 2.5+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app data access patterns
- App permission escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious data exfiltration from apps to external servers
SIEM Query:
Search for app permission changes or unusual data access patterns in device logs🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122404
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122716
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122720
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122721
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122722
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/12
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/5
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/7
