CVE-2025-31248
📋 TL;DR
A path validation vulnerability in macOS allows applications to bypass directory restrictions and access sensitive user data. This affects macOS Ventura, Sequoia, and Sonoma systems with unpatched versions. The issue stems from improper parsing of directory paths.
💻 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 applications could access sensitive user files, credentials, or personal data stored in protected directories, potentially leading to data theft or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications could access user data they shouldn't have permission to read, violating privacy and potentially exposing sensitive information.
If Mitigated
With proper application sandboxing and least-privilege principles, the impact is limited to what the vulnerable application can already access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.7.3, macOS Sequoia 15.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122069
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart your Mac when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allEnsure all applications run with appropriate sandboxing and permissions restrictions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM or parental controls
- Implement strict application allowlisting and only run trusted, signed applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is Ventura <13.7.3, Sequoia <15.5, or Sonoma <14.7.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.5, or Sonoma 14.7.3 or later in System Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Applications accessing directories outside their expected scope
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for network detection - monitor endpoint security logs for unusual file access patterns