CVE-2025-31248 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS operating systems, specifically related to the parsing of directory paths. The root cause is an insufficient validation mechanism when handling directory paths, which can be exploited by a malicious or compromised application to access sensitive user data that should otherwise be protected. This vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions, including Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.5, and Sonoma 14.7.3, where Apple has implemented improved path validation to address the issue. The vulnerability allows an app to bypass normal access controls by exploiting the parsing flaw, potentially reading files or directories that contain private or sensitive information. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that an attacker with the ability to run an app on the target system could leverage this flaw to compromise user confidentiality. The vulnerability does not specify whether user interaction is required, but since it involves app behavior, it likely requires the app to be installed or executed on the device. This flaw impacts the confidentiality of user data and could lead to unauthorized data disclosure if exploited. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the severity assessment must consider the potential impact on confidentiality, ease of exploitation, and affected scope. Given the widespread use of macOS in enterprise and personal environments, this vulnerability represents a significant risk if left unpatched.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-31248 is primarily on the confidentiality of sensitive user data stored on macOS devices. Organizations that rely on Apple hardware and software for critical operations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and technology companies, could face data breaches if malicious apps exploit this vulnerability. The ability for an app to bypass directory path validation and access sensitive files could lead to exposure of intellectual property, personal identifiable information (PII), or other confidential data. This could result in regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Additionally, the breach of sensitive data could damage organizational reputation and trust. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in widely used macOS versions means that attackers may develop exploits in the future. European organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using macOS devices are particularly vulnerable if devices are not promptly updated. The impact is heightened in sectors where data confidentiality is paramount, such as healthcare, finance, and public administration.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation strategies: 1) Immediately deploy the security updates provided by Apple for macOS Ventura 13.7.3, Sequoia 15.5, and Sonoma 14.7.3 to all macOS devices in the environment. 2) Enforce strict application control policies to limit the installation and execution of untrusted or unauthorized applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. 3) Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual file access patterns or unauthorized directory traversal attempts on macOS devices. 4) Conduct regular audits of installed applications and remove any that are unnecessary or suspicious. 5) Educate users about the risks of installing apps from unverified sources and encourage adherence to organizational security policies. 6) Implement network segmentation to isolate macOS devices handling sensitive data, minimizing lateral movement if exploitation occurs. 7) Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability. 8) Consider deploying macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Full Disk Encryption (FileVault) to add layers of defense against unauthorized data access.