CVE-2025-31221
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in multiple Apple operating systems that could allow a remote attacker to leak memory. The vulnerability affects watchOS, macOS, tvOS, iPadOS, iOS, and visionOS. Apple has addressed this with improved input validation in the listed updates.
💻 Affected Systems
- watchOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- iPadOS
- iOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote attacker could leak sensitive memory contents, potentially exposing credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential data.
Likely Case
Memory disclosure leading to information leakage that could aid further attacks or compromise user privacy.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper patching; memory leaks contained without data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Remote exploitation possible without authentication; integer overflow vulnerabilities typically require specific conditions to trigger.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, tvOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, visionOS 2.5, macOS Ventura 13.7.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122404
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences on affected device. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation
allRestrict network access to affected devices to reduce attack surface
Application control
allLimit untrusted applications and network services on affected devices
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and internet access
- Implement strict network monitoring for unusual memory access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version in Settings > General > About on iOS/iPadOS, or About This Mac on macOSCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; macOS: About This Mac > macOS version; watchOS: Watch app > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual memory allocation patterns
- Process crashes related to memory handling
- Unexpected network connections to affected services
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious traffic to Apple services on affected devices
- Unusual data exfiltration patterns
SIEM Query:
Search for process crashes with memory-related error codes on Apple devices, or network connections to device management services followed by unusual memory usage🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122404
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122405
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122716
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122717
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122718
- 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/6
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/7
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/8
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/9
