CVE-2025-31241 is a vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems stemming from a double free condition (CWE-415) in the memory management subsystem. A double free occurs when a program attempts to free the same memory location twice, leading to undefined behavior such as memory corruption or application crashes. In this case, a remote attacker can exploit this flaw without any authentication or user interaction by sending specially crafted data to the vulnerable application or service running on tvOS or related Apple platforms. The primary impact is an unexpected termination of the targeted app, effectively causing a denial of service (DoS). The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions, including 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, indicating a broad scope across Apple’s ecosystem. Apple has addressed the issue with improved memory management in these updates. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.3, reflecting medium severity due to the lack of impact on confidentiality or integrity and no requirement for privileges or user interaction. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at this time. However, the vulnerability’s presence in widely used consumer and enterprise devices necessitates prompt patching to prevent potential disruption.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-31241 is the risk of denial of service through unexpected app crashes on Apple tvOS and other affected Apple platforms. This could disrupt media delivery, digital signage, or other services relying on Apple TV devices, especially in sectors like broadcasting, retail, hospitality, and corporate environments where Apple devices are integrated. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, service availability interruptions could affect business operations and user experience. Organizations with large deployments of Apple devices, including iPads, iPhones, Macs, and Apple TVs, may face operational challenges if devices remain unpatched. Additionally, environments using Apple devices for critical communications or presentations could experience interruptions. The lack of required authentication or user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the urgency for patch management. Although no active exploits are known, the widespread use of Apple products in Europe means the vulnerability could be targeted in the future, particularly by opportunistic attackers aiming to cause disruption.

European organizations should prioritize the deployment of the security updates released by Apple for all affected operating systems, including tvOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, visionOS 2.5, and macOS Ventura 13.7.6. Network segmentation can help isolate Apple TV devices from critical infrastructure to limit potential impact. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns targeting Apple devices may provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement strict access controls and firewall rules to restrict unsolicited inbound traffic to Apple devices, reducing exposure to remote attacks. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory updates will ensure all affected devices are identified and patched promptly. Additionally, educating IT staff about the specific nature of this vulnerability can improve incident response readiness. Where feasible, consider fallback or redundancy plans for services relying on Apple TV devices to maintain continuity during patch deployment or potential disruptions.