CVE-2025-46288
📋 TL;DR
A permissions vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows applications to access sensitive payment tokens without proper authorization. This affects visionOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS users running vulnerable versions. The issue could expose payment information to malicious or compromised applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- visionOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- watchOS
- macOS
📦 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 →Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app steals payment tokens, enabling unauthorized transactions or financial fraud against the user.
Likely Case
Compromised legitimate app inadvertently accesses payment tokens, potentially exposing them to attackers through app vulnerabilities.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper app sandboxing and payment token isolation controls are functioning correctly.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires developing or compromising an app that can leverage the permissions issue. No public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: visionOS 26.2, iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/125884
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installations
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the official App Store and avoid sideloading unknown applications.
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict app permissions, especially for payment-related capabilities.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate devices with payment capabilities from untrusted networks and users.
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) to control app installations and permissions.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device OS version in Settings > General > About > Software Version. If version is below 26.2, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > General > About > Software Version (iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/visionOS) or About This Mac > macOS VersionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Software Version shows 26.2 or higher in Settings > General > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app accessing payment frameworks or tokens
- Failed authorization attempts for payment services
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from apps to payment processors
SIEM Query:
Search for events where apps access payment_token or similar sensitive resources without proper user consent events.