CVE-2025-31208 is a vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems, including watchOS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. The issue arises from improper input validation when parsing files, categorized under CWE-20, which can cause an application to terminate unexpectedly. This termination results from the system failing to handle malformed or maliciously crafted files correctly. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction to exploit, making it remotely exploitable by an attacker who can supply a crafted file to the target device. The impact is primarily on availability, as the unexpected app termination can lead to denial of service conditions. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and an impact limited to availability. Apple addressed this vulnerability in multiple OS updates, including tvOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, and others, by implementing improved input validation checks during file parsing. No known exploits have been reported in the wild to date, but the vulnerability poses a risk to environments relying on Apple devices for critical media or application delivery. The vulnerability affects all unspecified versions prior to these patches, emphasizing the need for timely updates.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-31208 is on service availability, particularly for those using Apple tvOS devices in digital signage, media streaming, or enterprise environments where app stability is critical. Unexpected app termination can disrupt business operations, degrade user experience, and potentially cause cascading failures if the affected apps are part of larger workflows. Although confidentiality and integrity are not impacted, the denial of service effect can be exploited to cause operational disruptions. Organizations relying heavily on Apple ecosystems, including media companies, broadcasters, and enterprises using Apple devices for presentations or kiosks, are at risk. The lack of required privileges or user interaction lowers the barrier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability remotely, increasing the threat surface. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks, especially as threat actors often reverse engineer patches to develop exploits. Therefore, European organizations should consider this vulnerability a significant operational risk until fully mitigated.

1. Immediately apply the latest Apple OS updates that address CVE-2025-31208, including tvOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, iOS 18.5, and related patches. 2. Implement strict controls on file inputs to Apple devices, especially those exposed to external or untrusted sources, to reduce the risk of malicious file delivery. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing where possible to limit the impact of app crashes on overall system stability. 4. Monitor application logs and system behavior for signs of unexpected app terminations or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. For organizations using Apple tvOS in public or enterprise environments, consider network segmentation to isolate these devices and limit exposure. 6. Educate IT and security teams about the vulnerability and ensure incident response plans include steps for handling denial of service scenarios related to app crashes. 7. Coordinate with Apple support channels for any additional guidance or patches specific to organizational deployments. 8. Review and update device management policies to enforce timely patching and restrict installation of untrusted applications or files.