CVE-2025-31251
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows processing a maliciously crafted media file to cause unexpected app termination or corrupt process memory. It affects Apple devices running outdated versions of watchOS, macOS, tvOS, iPadOS, iOS, and visionOS. The issue was addressed through improved input sanitization.
💻 Affected Systems
- watchOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- iPadOS
- iOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Ipados by Apple
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Arbitrary code execution leading to full system compromise if memory corruption can be weaponized into RCE.
Likely Case
Application crashes (denial of service) or limited memory corruption affecting stability.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if malicious media files are blocked.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious media file. No public exploit available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, tvOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, visionOS 2.5, macOS Ventura 13.7.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122404
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Download and install the latest update. 3. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block suspicious media files
allUse content filtering or security software to block potentially malicious media files.
User education
allTrain users not to open media files from untrusted sources.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network filtering to block suspicious media file downloads.
- Restrict user permissions to limit potential impact of memory corruption.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions list.Check Version:
On macOS: sw_vers -productVersion. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify system version matches or exceeds patched versions.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crash logs related to media processing
- Unexpected process termination
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious media files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="crash" OR event="termination") AND process="media*"🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122404
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122405
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122716
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122717
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122718
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122720
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122721
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122722
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/11
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/12
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/5
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/6
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/7
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/8
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/9
