CVE-2025-31255 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS and related operating systems including tvOS, watchOS, iOS, and iPadOS. The core issue is an authorization flaw stemming from improper state management within the operating system's security controls. This flaw potentially allows a malicious or compromised application to bypass normal authorization checks and gain access to sensitive user data that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions prior to the patched releases: tvOS 26, macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, watchOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, iOS 26, and iPadOS 26. Although the exact affected versions are unspecified, the vulnerability is addressed by Apple through improved state management mechanisms that tighten authorization enforcement. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability's root cause is an authorization issue, which is critical because it can lead to unauthorized data disclosure without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges beyond app installation. Given the ecosystem, the vulnerability could be exploited by malicious apps distributed through the Apple App Store or sideloaded, potentially exposing sensitive user data such as personal files, credentials, or other protected information stored or accessible on the device. The vulnerability spans multiple Apple platforms, indicating a systemic issue in the authorization logic across their operating systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for enterprises and government entities that rely on Apple devices for daily operations, communications, and data storage. Unauthorized access to sensitive user data could lead to data breaches involving personal identifiable information (PII), intellectual property, or confidential communications. This could result in regulatory non-compliance under GDPR, leading to financial penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Apple OS platforms means that organizations with diverse Apple device deployments (macOS desktops/laptops, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs) are all potentially at risk. Attackers exploiting this flaw could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data without requiring user interaction, increasing the likelihood of stealthy data exfiltration. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, where sensitive data protection is paramount. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further lateral movement within corporate networks if compromised devices are connected to internal systems. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the public disclosure and patch availability mean attackers may develop exploits soon, increasing urgency for mitigation.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to the patched OS versions as soon as they become available: macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, iOS 26, and iPadOS 26. Until patches are applied, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or sideloaded apps, leveraging Apple’s MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions to restrict app sources and permissions. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring for anomalous app behavior on Apple devices can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review and tighten privacy and security settings on Apple devices, minimizing app permissions to only those necessary. User education on the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of timely updates is critical. For sensitive environments, consider network segmentation to isolate Apple devices from critical infrastructure to limit potential lateral movement. Finally, maintain an inventory of all Apple devices and OS versions in use to ensure comprehensive patch management and vulnerability tracking.