CVE-2025-31232
📋 TL;DR
A sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS allows sandboxed applications to bypass security restrictions and access sensitive user data. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma before specific patch versions. Users running unpatched macOS systems are vulnerable to data exposure from malicious or compromised applications.
💻 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
Malicious sandboxed app accesses sensitive user data including passwords, documents, and personal information, potentially leading to identity theft or data breach.
Likely Case
Compromised legitimate app or malware bypasses sandbox restrictions to access user files and data stored in unprotected locations.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; with application whitelisting and least privilege, impact is limited even if exploited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install and run a malicious or compromised sandboxed application.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.6, macOS Sequoia 15.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122716
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Application Installation
allLimit installation of new applications to trusted sources only via Gatekeeper and parental controls
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Mac App Store"
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
Application Sandbox Hardening
allUse privacy settings to restrict application access to sensitive data locations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from running
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious application behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > AboutCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.6, Sequoia 15.5, or Sonoma 14.7.6 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by sandboxed applications
- Console logs showing sandbox violation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from sandboxed applications
SIEM Query:
process where process.name contains ".app" and event.action includes "file_access" and file.path contains sensitive directories