CVE-2025-31239 Overview
CVE-2025-31239 is a use-after-free vulnerability [CWE-416] affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw triggers when a user parses a maliciously crafted file, leading to unexpected application termination. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory management across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
The vulnerability requires user interaction and can be triggered over the network through file delivery mechanisms such as email attachments, messaging apps, or web downloads. Exploitation results in a denial-of-service condition against the affected process. Apple published fixes on May 12, 2025, alongside coordinated security advisories for each platform.
Critical Impact
Parsing a maliciously crafted file can trigger a use-after-free condition, causing unexpected application termination on affected Apple devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS versions prior to 18.5 and iPadOS versions prior to 18.5 (and 17.7.7)
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.5, macOS Sonoma prior to 14.7.6, and macOS Ventura prior to 13.7.6
- Apple tvOS prior to 18.5, visionOS prior to 2.5, and watchOS prior to 11.5
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-12 - CVE-2025-31239 published to NVD and Apple releases coordinated security patches
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-31239
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-31239 is a use-after-free memory corruption issue mapped to [CWE-416]. Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed. When the freed memory is subsequently allocated for a different purpose, dereferencing the stale pointer produces undefined behavior.
In this case, parsing a specially crafted file causes the affected process to access memory that has already been released. The result is an unexpected termination of the parsing application. Apple's advisory attributes the fix to improved memory management, indicating the underlying object lifecycle was corrected to prevent access after deallocation.
The issue affects a shared component present across Apple's operating system family, which explains its broad platform impact. The confidentiality and integrity impact is rated none, while availability impact is low, consistent with an application-level crash rather than code execution.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper object lifetime management within a file parser shared across Apple operating systems. A reference to a heap object persists after that object is freed. When the parser dereferences the stale pointer during continued file processing, the process crashes.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a malicious file to a target user through network channels such as email, messaging, or web download. The user must open or preview the file for the vulnerable parser to process it. Successful triggering causes the handling application to terminate unexpectedly.
No verified exploit code or public proof-of-concept has been published. See the Apple Support advisories and coordinated Full Disclosure mailing list posts for platform-specific technical references.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-31239
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected termination of Apple system applications or file preview services when opening received files
- Crash reports referencing memory access violations in file parsing components on unpatched macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, or watchOS systems
- Delivery of unsolicited files through email, messaging, or web downloads targeting Apple endpoints running vulnerable OS versions
Detection Strategies
- Monitor macOS DiagnosticReports and iOS crash logs for repeated abnormal terminations tied to file-handling processes
- Correlate file delivery events (mail attachments, AirDrop, message attachments) with subsequent application crashes on the receiving endpoint
- Inventory endpoints against the fixed OS versions (iOS/iPadOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, macOS 15.5/14.7.6/13.7.6, tvOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5, watchOS 11.5) to identify exposed hosts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Aggregate endpoint crash telemetry centrally and alert on clusters of parser crashes across multiple users
- Track OS version compliance across the Apple fleet using mobile device management (MDM) reporting
- Watch for suspicious file types being distributed at scale, particularly to users on outdated Apple builds
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-31239
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to the fixed builds: iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, macOS Sequoia 15.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, macOS Ventura 13.7.6, tvOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5, and watchOS 11.5
- Enforce automatic updates through MDM policies for managed Apple endpoints
- Advise users to avoid opening unsolicited files from untrusted senders until patches are deployed
Patch Information
Apple released fixes on May 12, 2025. Refer to the vendor advisories: Apple Support #122404, #122405, #122716, #122717, #122718, #122720, #122721, and #122722 for platform-specific patch details.
Workarounds
- Restrict delivery of untrusted file attachments at email and messaging gateways where feasible
- Disable automatic file previews in mail and messaging clients on unpatched systems
- Segment and prioritize patching for high-risk users who routinely handle external files
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
