CVE-2025-31251 Overview
CVE-2025-31251 is an input sanitization vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. Processing a maliciously crafted media file may lead to unexpected app termination or corrupt process memory. Apple addressed the issue through improved input sanitization across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
The weakness is classified under [CWE-400] (Uncontrolled Resource Consumption). Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, such as opening or processing a crafted media file. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality through potential memory corruption that may expose process state.
Critical Impact
A maliciously crafted media file can terminate the affected application or corrupt process memory, enabling memory disclosure conditions on affected Apple devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS prior to 18.5 and iPadOS 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-2025-31251 published to NVD
- 2026-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-31251
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the media file parsing logic used by Apple operating systems. The affected code path fails to properly sanitize input fields within a malformed media container or codec stream. When the parser encounters specially crafted values, it processes the data without sufficient validation.
This behavior leads to two observable outcomes: unexpected application termination or corruption of process memory. Memory corruption in a media handler can expose residual data from the process address space. Attackers may chain such primitives with other flaws to escalate impact, though this CVE alone does not enable code execution.
The issue is tracked as [CWE-400], reflecting improper handling of resources triggered by attacker-controlled input. Apple's advisory confirms the fix was implemented by tightening input sanitization in the affected component.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient input validation within the media file processing component shipped across Apple's operating system family. Untrusted fields in the media file are consumed without strict bounds or type checks, allowing memory state to be influenced by crafted inputs.
Attack Vector
The attack requires local access and user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted media file through email, web download, messaging, or removable media. When the victim opens the file in an affected application or service that invokes the vulnerable parser, the malformed content triggers the flaw.
No authentication is required. The scope remains unchanged, and the primary impact is on confidentiality through memory corruption, with potential for denial of service via app termination.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. See the Apple Support Document #122404 and related advisories for component-level detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-31251
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated unexpected crashes of media-handling applications on Apple devices, with crash logs referencing memory access faults during media parsing.
- Presence of untrusted media files originating from email attachments, messaging apps, or web downloads immediately preceding application instability.
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) inventory showing endpoints running OS versions prior to iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5/17.7.7, macOS 15.5/14.7.6/13.7.6, tvOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5, or watchOS 11.5.
Detection Strategies
- Collect and analyze application crash reports from ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ on macOS and equivalent crash telemetry on iOS/iPadOS to identify abnormal terminations in media frameworks.
- Correlate file delivery events (email attachments, downloads) with subsequent process crashes to identify potential exploitation attempts.
- Use endpoint inventory tools to identify Apple devices running pre-patch OS builds and prioritize them for remediation.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for abnormal termination signals in applications that consume media files such as Preview, QuickLook, Messages, Mail, and Safari.
- Track patch compliance for all Apple endpoints against the fixed OS versions through MDM reporting.
- Review device crash dashboards for spikes in media-related faults that may indicate active exploitation attempts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-31251
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to the fixed OS versions: iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5 or 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 OS updates through MDM policy for managed Apple fleets.
- Instruct users to avoid opening media files from untrusted sources until patches are applied.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes addressing this issue across its operating system portfolio. Refer to the official advisories: Apple Support Document #122404, #122405, #122716, #122717, #122718, #122720, #122721, and #122722.
Workarounds
- Restrict opening of media files from untrusted email senders, websites, and messaging contacts on unpatched devices.
- Configure email and web gateways to scan and quarantine suspicious media attachments before delivery to Apple endpoints.
- Disable automatic preview of media attachments in Mail and Messages where feasible until patches are deployed.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
