CVE-2025-31262
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permissions vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows applications to modify protected areas of the file system. The issue affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, macOS, visionOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Users running affected versions are vulnerable to potential file system manipulation by malicious or compromised applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- visionOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
📦 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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious app could modify critical system files, install persistent malware, tamper with security configurations, or access sensitive user data stored in protected locations.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could bypass sandbox restrictions to read or modify user data they shouldn't have access to, potentially leading to data theft or privacy violations.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting through official app stores and standard user permissions, the risk is limited to apps that have already been granted some level of system access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious or compromised application to be installed and executed on the target device. The app must already have some level of system access to exploit this vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, visionOS 2.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/122066
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allOnly allow installation of apps from official app stores (App Store for iOS/iPadOS, Mac App Store for macOS) to reduce risk of malicious apps.
Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM)
allUse MDM solutions to enforce security policies, restrict app installations, and monitor for suspicious activity.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies to only permit trusted applications
- Increase monitoring for unusual file system activity and unauthorized file modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the device's operating system version in Settings > General > About on iOS/iPadOS or About This Mac on macOS.Check Version:
On macOS: sw_vers -productVersion. On iOS/iPadOS: Check in Settings > General > About > Version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the device is running iOS 18.3 or later, iPadOS 18.3 or later, macOS Sequoia 15.3 or later, visionOS 2.3 or later, watchOS 11.3 or later, or tvOS 18.3 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file system access patterns by applications
- Applications accessing protected system directories
- File modification events in normally restricted areas
Network Indicators:
- This is primarily a local vulnerability with minimal network indicators
SIEM Query:
Look for process execution events followed by file system access to protected directories, or applications with unusual file modification patterns