CVE-2025-31268 is a permissions vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows a malicious or compromised application to access protected user data without proper authorization. The root cause is a permissions misconfiguration or insufficient access control (CWE-284) that enables an app to bypass intended restrictions on sensitive data access. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have local access to the system and to trick the user into interacting with the malicious app, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R). The impact is primarily on confidentiality, with no direct effect on data integrity or system availability. Apple has addressed this issue by implementing additional restrictions in macOS Sonoma 14.8 and macOS Sequoia 15.7, which prevent unauthorized apps from accessing protected user data. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the medium CVSS score of 5.5 reflects the moderate risk posed by this vulnerability. Organizations running earlier versions of macOS should prioritize patching to mitigate potential data leakage risks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict permission controls and user awareness to prevent unauthorized data access on macOS platforms.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user data stored on macOS devices. If exploited, malicious apps could access protected information such as personal files, credentials, or corporate data, potentially leading to data breaches or privacy violations. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive personal or financial data, including finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate insider threats or risks from social engineering. Data confidentiality breaches could result in regulatory penalties under GDPR and damage to organizational reputation. The impact is amplified in environments with high macOS usage or where endpoint security controls are weak. However, since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, the threat is primarily data exposure rather than system disruption.

European organizations should immediately update all macOS devices to versions Sonoma 14.8 or Sequoia 15.7 or later to apply the security fix. Implement strict application control policies to limit installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned apps. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious app behavior indicative of unauthorized data access. Educate users on the risks of interacting with unknown applications and encourage cautious behavior regarding app permissions. Use macOS built-in privacy settings to restrict app access to sensitive data and regularly audit these permissions. For managed environments, leverage Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to enforce patch compliance and restrict app installations. Additionally, monitor logs for unusual access patterns to protected data. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on macOS-specific controls and user behavior.