CVE-2025-31255
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an authorization bypass vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows malicious apps to access sensitive user data without proper permissions. It affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The vulnerability stems from improper state management in authorization mechanisms.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 What is this software?
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of sensitive user data including personal information, authentication credentials, financial data, and private communications through unauthorized app access.
Likely Case
Malicious apps stealing user data such as contacts, messages, photos, location data, and authentication tokens from legitimate applications.
If Mitigated
Limited data exposure through app sandboxing and other OS security controls, with potential for partial data leakage rather than complete compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the target device. The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates critical severity with high impact and low attack complexity.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, tvOS 26, watchOS 26
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125108
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources and the official App Store
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict app permissions in system settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app installation policies and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions list. Vulnerable if running iOS/iPadOS < 26, macOS Sonoma < 14.8, macOS Sequoia < 15.7, tvOS < 26, watchOS < 26.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac. tvOS: Settings > General > About. watchOS: Watch app on iPhone > General > About.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions: iOS/iPadOS ≥ 26, macOS Sonoma ≥ 14.8, macOS Sequoia ≥ 15.7, tvOS ≥ 26, watchOS ≥ 26.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app authorization requests
- Apps accessing data outside their normal permission scope
- Security framework audit failures
Network Indicators:
- Unusual data exfiltration patterns from apps
- Suspicious network connections from applications
SIEM Query:
source="apple_security_logs" AND (event_type="authorization_failure" OR app_permission="unusual_access")🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/125108
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/125111
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/125112
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/125114
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/125116
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Sep/49
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Sep/53
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Sep/54
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Sep/55
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Sep/57
