CVE-2025-31182 is a critical security vulnerability discovered in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS. The root cause is improper handling of symbolic links (symlinks) within the file system, which allows a malicious application to bypass standard permission checks and delete files it normally should not have access to. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating critical severity. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Exploitation could lead to unauthorized deletion of critical files, potentially causing data loss, system instability, or denial of service. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved symlink handling and is fixed in tvOS 18.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, visionOS 2.4, and other recent OS versions. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a high-risk target for attackers aiming to disrupt systems or erase sensitive data. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the patched releases, but exact affected versions are unspecified. The fix involves enhanced authorization checks when apps attempt to delete files, preventing unauthorized file system modifications via symlink manipulation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-31182 can be substantial. Many enterprises and public sector entities use Apple devices including Apple TV for conferencing or digital signage, and macOS or iOS devices for daily operations. A successful exploit could allow a malicious app—potentially delivered via compromised app stores or insider threats—to delete critical files without permission, leading to data loss, disruption of services, or operational downtime. This could affect confidentiality if sensitive files are deleted, integrity if system files are altered or removed, and availability if key applications or services become unusable. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and media that rely on Apple ecosystems for secure communications or content delivery are particularly vulnerable. The lack of required privileges or user interaction for exploitation increases the risk of automated or remote attacks. Additionally, the potential for cascading failures or data corruption could complicate recovery efforts and increase costs. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive patching and mitigation before active attacks emerge.

European organizations should immediately verify that all Apple devices are updated to the patched OS versions: tvOS 18.4, macOS Ventura 13.7.5, visionOS 2.4, iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.7.5 or later. Enforce strict app installation policies, limiting apps to those from trusted sources such as the official Apple App Store, and consider using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and monitor file system access. Implement application whitelisting and regularly audit installed apps for unusual behavior, especially those that request file system access. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting anomalous file deletion or symlink manipulation activities. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of timely updates. For critical systems, maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate potential data loss. Network segmentation can limit the spread or impact of compromised devices. Finally, monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability.