CVE-2025-31279
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permissions issue in Apple operating systems that allows applications to fingerprint users. The vulnerability affects macOS, iPadOS, and iOS systems, potentially exposing user identification data to malicious applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iPadOS
- iOS
📦 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 →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 collects comprehensive user fingerprinting data leading to identity tracking, privacy violations, and potential credential theft through behavioral analysis.
Likely Case
Apps gain unauthorized access to user identification markers, enabling targeted advertising, user profiling, and privacy invasion without explicit consent.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and permission controls, impact is limited to minimal data leakage within controlled environments.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install malicious application; no authentication bypass needed once app is installed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.6, iPadOS 17.7.9, macOS Sonoma 14.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.7.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/124148
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources and App Store
Review App Permissions
allRegularly audit and restrict app permissions in System Settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies allowing only verified enterprise apps
- Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and monitor for suspicious behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions listCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual permission requests from apps
- Multiple apps accessing similar user identification APIs
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious data exfiltration patterns from apps to external servers
SIEM Query:
App logs showing repeated access to user identification APIs or permission escalation attempts🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124148
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124149
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124150
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/124151
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/31
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/32
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/33
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jul/34
