CVE-2025-31216 is a vulnerability identified in Apple iPadOS that allows an attacker with physical access to a device to override managed Wi-Fi profiles. Managed Wi-Fi profiles are typically deployed by organizations to enforce secure network configurations and restrict device connectivity to trusted networks. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation checks in the handling of these profiles, which could be exploited by an attacker physically interacting with the device to replace or alter the managed Wi-Fi settings. This could lead to the device connecting to unauthorized or malicious networks, potentially causing denial of service or network misconfiguration. The issue was addressed in iPadOS 17.7.7 and iOS 18.5 by implementing improved checks that prevent unauthorized profile overrides. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 2.4, reflecting a low severity primarily because exploitation requires physical access, does not require privileges or user interaction, and impacts availability without compromising confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating a failure to enforce proper restrictions on sensitive operations. This flaw is relevant in environments where devices are managed centrally, such as enterprise or educational institutions, where Wi-Fi profiles enforce security policies. Attackers with physical access could disrupt network connectivity or redirect devices to rogue networks, impacting operational continuity.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-31216 lies in potential operational disruption due to unauthorized changes in managed Wi-Fi profiles. This could lead to devices connecting to untrusted networks, increasing the risk of network-based attacks or data interception indirectly, although the vulnerability itself does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity. Availability of network services could be affected if devices lose connectivity to corporate Wi-Fi or connect to malicious networks causing denial of service. Organizations relying heavily on managed Apple devices for secure network access, such as government agencies, financial institutions, and educational entities, may face increased risk if physical device security is lax. The requirement for physical access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or theft could enable attackers to exploit this vulnerability. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in Europe, especially in corporate and educational sectors, the vulnerability could affect a significant number of endpoints if not patched. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation to prevent future attacks.

1. Apply the security updates iPadOS 17.7.7 and iOS 18.5 or later immediately to all affected Apple devices to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices, including secure storage, access logging, and device tracking. 3. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions that monitor and restrict changes to Wi-Fi profiles and alert administrators to unauthorized modifications. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risks of physical device compromise and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices promptly. 5. Use hardware-based security features such as device encryption and biometric locks to reduce the risk of unauthorized physical access. 6. Regularly audit managed Wi-Fi profiles and network access logs to detect anomalies that may indicate profile tampering. 7. Consider network-level protections such as Network Access Control (NAC) to restrict device connectivity based on compliance with security policies. These measures collectively reduce the risk of exploitation and limit the impact if physical access is gained.