CVE-2025-31251 is a vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS that stems from improper input sanitization when processing media files. Specifically, a maliciously crafted media file can trigger unexpected application termination or corrupt the process memory of the affected app. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-400, which relates to uncontrolled resource consumption or memory issues. The vulnerability requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R) to open or process the malicious media file. The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no direct impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This suggests that while the app may crash or memory may be corrupted, the attacker cannot modify data or cause system-wide denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating medium severity. Apple has released patches in tvOS 18.5 and other related operating systems such as watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, iOS 18.5, and others to address this issue by improving input sanitization. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a risk if a user is tricked into opening a malicious media file on a vulnerable device.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-31251 is primarily a risk of denial of service or application instability on Apple tvOS devices. This could disrupt media playback or related app functionality, potentially affecting user experience and operational continuity in environments relying on Apple TV devices for presentations, digital signage, or media distribution. Confidential data leakage risk is indicated as high, but given the nature of the vulnerability (memory corruption without integrity or availability impact), this may reflect potential information disclosure through memory corruption, though no direct exploit is confirmed. The requirement for user interaction and local access limits remote exploitation, reducing the risk of widespread compromise. However, targeted attacks against high-value users or organizations using Apple tvOS devices could leverage this vulnerability to cause disruptions or gather sensitive information. Organizations with extensive Apple ecosystems or those using Apple TV devices in critical roles should prioritize patching to avoid potential exploitation.

1. Apply the official patches released by Apple immediately, specifically updating to tvOS 18.5 or later versions to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict the sources of media files on Apple tvOS devices to trusted and verified providers to reduce the risk of receiving maliciously crafted files. 3. Implement user awareness training to caution users against opening media files from untrusted or unknown sources on Apple devices. 4. Monitor Apple tvOS devices for abnormal app crashes or unusual memory behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Employ network segmentation to isolate Apple tvOS devices from critical infrastructure to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. 6. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring Apple devices for suspicious activity related to media file processing. 7. Regularly review and update device management policies to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all Apple devices in the organization.