CVE-2025-31236
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an information disclosure vulnerability in macOS where applications could access sensitive user data without proper authorization. It affects macOS systems before version 15.5 (Sequoia). The vulnerability allows unauthorized data access but requires local application execution.
💻 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
Malicious applications could access sensitive user data including personal files, credentials, or other protected information stored on the system.
Likely Case
Legitimate but poorly secured applications could inadvertently access data they shouldn't, or malicious apps from untrusted sources could harvest user data.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and user permission controls, the impact is limited to data accessible within the app's designated sandbox.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code has been identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.5
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 macOS Sequoia 15.5 update 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Application Permissions
allReview and restrict application permissions in System Settings to limit data access
Use Application Sandboxing
allEnsure applications run with appropriate sandboxing restrictions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to only allow trusted applications
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious application behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than 15.5, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.5 or later in System Settings > General > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access patterns to protected data directories
- Privacy permission denials in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privacy_violation" OR event="unauthorized_data_access")