CVE-2025-31194 is a critical vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows a Shortcut—a user-configured automation script or action—to run with administrative privileges without requiring authentication. This issue stems from an authentication bypass caused by improper state management within the Shortcut execution environment. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions prior to Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, and Sonoma 14.7.5, which have addressed the flaw through improved state management mechanisms. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an unauthenticated attacker can remotely trigger a Shortcut to execute arbitrary code with admin rights, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating a failure to properly enforce authentication before privilege escalation. Although no public exploits are currently known, the ease of exploitation and high impact make this a critical threat. The vulnerability could be leveraged to install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt system operations. The fix involves updating to the patched macOS versions where the authentication state management has been corrected to prevent unauthorized Shortcut execution with elevated privileges.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for unauthorized privilege escalation on macOS systems. Attackers exploiting this flaw can gain administrative control without authentication, enabling them to install malware, access sensitive corporate data, disrupt services, or move laterally within networks. This could lead to data breaches, operational downtime, and reputational damage. Organizations relying on macOS for critical business functions, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and technology, face heightened risks. The lack of required user interaction or privileges lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the likelihood of attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks or as part of broader campaigns against European entities. The impact extends to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially affecting compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Therefore, the threat is severe and demands immediate attention to prevent exploitation and mitigate potential damages.

1. Immediately update all macOS systems to the patched versions: Ventura 13.7.5, Sequoia 15.4, or Sonoma 14.7.5, as applicable. 2. Restrict the use of Shortcuts with administrative privileges by enforcing strict execution policies and limiting Shortcut creation to trusted users only. 3. Implement application control or endpoint protection solutions that monitor and block unauthorized Shortcut executions or privilege escalations. 4. Conduct regular audits of macOS devices to identify and remediate any unauthorized Shortcuts or suspicious automation scripts. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks associated with Shortcuts and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 6. Employ network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the potential lateral movement of attackers exploiting this vulnerability. 7. Monitor system logs and security alerts for unusual Shortcut activity or privilege escalations to detect exploitation attempts early. 8. Coordinate with Apple support channels for any additional guidance or emergency patches if needed.