CVE-2025-31207 is a logic vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that enables an application to enumerate the list of installed applications on a user's device. This flaw arises from insufficient validation checks within the operating system, allowing unauthorized apps to gain visibility into other installed apps. Such enumeration can reveal sensitive information about user behavior, installed security tools, or enterprise applications, potentially aiding targeted attacks or privacy violations. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of iOS and iPadOS prior to 18.5, where Apple has implemented improved checks to prevent this unauthorized enumeration. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.7 indicates a high severity, with an attack vector classified as local (AV:L), requiring no privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality (C:H) and availability (A:H) but not integrity. Although no public exploits have been reported, the vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious apps to gather intelligence or disrupt device availability. The underlying weakness corresponds to CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where device privacy and application confidentiality are critical, such as enterprise or governmental use of Apple devices.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to significant privacy breaches and operational disruptions. The ability of an app to enumerate installed applications compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive information about user-installed software, which may include corporate apps, security solutions, or other sensitive tools. This exposure can facilitate targeted phishing, social engineering, or further exploitation by adversaries. The availability impact suggests potential for denial-of-service conditions, possibly through resource exhaustion or triggering system instability. Organizations relying heavily on iOS and iPadOS devices for secure communications, data access, or critical operations face increased risk. Privacy regulations such as GDPR heighten the consequences of such data exposure, potentially leading to regulatory penalties. Additionally, the vulnerability could undermine trust in mobile device security, affecting remote work and BYOD policies prevalent across Europe.

European organizations should immediately plan to update all affected Apple devices to iOS and iPadOS version 18.5 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Until updates are deployed, restrict installation of apps to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and enforce strict app vetting policies to prevent malicious apps from being installed. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app installations and device configurations. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of timely updates. Consider implementing network-level controls to detect and block suspicious app behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. For high-security environments, evaluate the use of application whitelisting and enhanced endpoint protection tailored for iOS/iPadOS. Regularly audit device inventories and installed applications to detect anomalies that may indicate exploitation or reconnaissance activities.