CVE-2025-31260 is a permissions-related vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically addressed in the macOS Sequoia 15.5 update. The vulnerability stems from insufficient restrictions on app permissions, allowing an application running with low privileges (PR:L) to access sensitive user data without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have local access to the system, but the vulnerability does not require elevated privileges or user consent to exploit. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability. The underlying weakness corresponds to CWE-284, which relates to improper access control. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the medium CVSS score of 5.5 reflects the moderate risk due to the potential for sensitive data leakage. The fix involves additional permission restrictions implemented in macOS Sequoia 15.5, which should be applied promptly to prevent exploitation. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where macOS devices are used to handle sensitive or regulated data, as unauthorized data access could lead to privacy violations or compliance issues.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-31260 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. This could include personal information, corporate credentials, or proprietary data, depending on the app's access scope. The confidentiality breach could undermine trust, lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR, and expose organizations to espionage or insider threats. Since exploitation requires local access, the risk is heightened in environments with shared or poorly controlled physical access, such as offices, co-working spaces, or remote work setups. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so it is less likely to cause operational disruption but remains a significant privacy concern. Organizations relying heavily on macOS for critical workflows or handling sensitive information should prioritize patching and reassessing endpoint security controls to mitigate this risk.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15.5 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Conduct an audit of installed applications and their permissions to identify and restrict apps that have unnecessary access to sensitive data. 3. Implement strict endpoint security policies limiting local access to authorized personnel only, including physical security controls and user account management. 4. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to reduce the risk of malicious or compromised apps exploiting this vulnerability. 5. Monitor system logs and user activity for unusual access patterns to sensitive data on macOS devices. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of applying system updates promptly. 7. Integrate macOS devices into centralized security management solutions to ensure timely patch deployment and compliance monitoring.