CVE-2025-31237
📋 TL;DR
A vulnerability in macOS AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) allows attackers to cause system termination (kernel panic/crash) by mounting a maliciously crafted network share. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems before specific security updates. The vulnerability requires network access to an AFP share.
💻 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
Complete system crash leading to denial of service, potential data loss from unsaved work, and disruption of services running on affected systems.
Likely Case
Temporary denial of service requiring system reboot, with potential for repeated attacks causing extended downtime.
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are patched or AFP network share mounting is restricted to trusted sources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to mount malicious AFP share. Public disclosures suggest proof-of-concept exists.
🛠️ 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 > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AFP Sharing
allDisable AFP protocol to prevent mounting of malicious shares
sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.AppleFileServer.plist
Restrict AFP Network Access
allUse firewall rules to restrict AFP (port 548) to trusted networks only
sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --add /usr/sbin/AppleFileServer
sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --block /usr/sbin/AppleFileServer
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable AFP protocol entirely if not required for business operations
- Implement network segmentation to restrict AFP traffic to trusted zones only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running Ventura <13.7.6, Sequoia <15.5, or Sonoma <14.7.6, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version shows 13.7.6, 15.5, or 14.7.6 or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
- Unexpected AFP connection attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual AFP (port 548) traffic from untrusted sources
- Multiple failed AFP mount attempts
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="kernel panic" OR process="AppleFileServer")