CVE-2025-31249
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a logic flaw in macOS that could allow malicious applications to access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The vulnerability affects macOS systems before version 15.5 (Sequoia). Users running vulnerable macOS versions are at risk of data exposure.
💻 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 app could access sensitive user data including passwords, personal documents, financial information, and other protected data stored on the system.
Likely Case
Malicious applications distributed through unofficial channels could access user data they shouldn't have permission to access, potentially leading to data theft.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to trusted applications that might have unintended access to data they shouldn't.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. The vulnerability is a logic issue in access controls.
🛠️ 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
Application Sandboxing Enforcement
allEnsure all applications run with appropriate sandboxing and permissions
Application Source Control
allOnly install applications from trusted sources like the Mac App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized applications from running
- Use endpoint protection software to detect and block suspicious application behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: If version is earlier than 15.5, the system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 15.5 or later after update installation📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application access patterns to protected data directories
- Applications requesting permissions they shouldn't need
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - local OS vulnerability without network indicators