CVE-2025-31209 is a medium severity vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS and several other Apple operating systems including watchOS, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, and visionOS. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read condition during the parsing of a file, which can lead to the unintended disclosure of user information. Specifically, the issue is due to insufficient bounds checking when processing certain file inputs, classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read). An attacker with low privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction required (UI:N) can exploit this vulnerability remotely (AV:N) to read data beyond the intended memory boundaries. This can result in leakage of sensitive user data, impacting confidentiality, and potentially affecting integrity and availability to a lesser extent. The vulnerability has been addressed by Apple in versions watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, tvOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, visionOS 2.5, and macOS Ventura 13.7.6 through improved bounds checking during file parsing. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date (May 12, 2025). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.3, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a low level.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to environments using Apple tvOS devices and other affected Apple platforms. The potential impact includes unauthorized disclosure of user information, which could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems for media delivery, digital signage, or internal communication via tvOS devices could see sensitive information exposed. Although the attack requires some level of privilege, the lack of user interaction makes it easier for attackers who have gained limited access to escalate data exposure. The impact on confidentiality is the most significant, with potential secondary effects on system integrity and availability if exploited in chained attacks. Given the widespread use of Apple products in European corporate and consumer environments, the vulnerability could affect sectors such as media, education, healthcare, and government agencies that utilize Apple tvOS and related platforms.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to the patched versions listed by Apple (e.g., tvOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6). Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit privilege levels on Apple devices, minimizing the risk of exploitation by low-privilege attackers. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file parsing activities or unusual access patterns on Apple devices. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring Apple platforms can help identify exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review and restrict file types and sources processed by tvOS and related systems to reduce exposure to maliciously crafted files. Regular audits of Apple device configurations and user privileges will further reduce risk. Finally, organizations should ensure compliance with data protection regulations by encrypting sensitive data and maintaining robust incident response plans tailored to Apple ecosystem vulnerabilities.