CVE-2025-31236 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.5. The vulnerability allows a local application with limited privileges (low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction) to access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The root cause is related to insufficient privacy controls, categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability but poses a significant confidentiality risk. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting high confidentiality impact but limited attack vector (local access required) and privileges needed. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability highlights a gap in macOS's privacy enforcement mechanisms that could be exploited by malicious or compromised applications to extract sensitive user data, potentially including personal files, credentials, or other private information stored or accessible on the system. The fix involves improved privacy controls implemented in the latest macOS update, emphasizing the importance of timely patching.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations with macOS endpoints, especially those handling sensitive personal or corporate data, could face data leakage risks if unpatched systems are exploited. This could lead to breaches of GDPR requirements concerning personal data protection, resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability does not directly affect system availability or integrity, but unauthorized data access could facilitate further attacks or insider threats. The risk is higher in environments where users have local administrative privileges or where endpoint security controls are weak. Organizations relying on macOS for critical operations or storing sensitive information on these devices should prioritize remediation to prevent potential data exposure.

1. Immediate deployment of macOS Sequoia 15.5 or later, which contains the patch addressing this vulnerability, is critical. 2. Implement strict application control policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unnecessary applications on macOS endpoints. 3. Enforce the principle of least privilege by restricting user and application privileges to minimize the potential for exploitation. 4. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring suspicious local application behaviors that may attempt unauthorized data access. 5. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and their permissions to ensure compliance with organizational security policies. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified software and the importance of applying system updates promptly. 7. Where feasible, segregate sensitive data using encryption and access controls to reduce exposure even if the OS privacy controls are bypassed.