CVE-2025-31280

7.8

Apple · macOS

A memory corruption vulnerability in Apple macOS allows for heap corruption when processing maliciously crafted files.

Executive summary

A heap-based memory corruption vulnerability in Apple macOS creates a risk of arbitrary code execution if a user processes a malicious file.

Vulnerability

This is a memory corruption flaw, specifically heap corruption, triggered when the system processes a maliciously crafted file. The vulnerability requires user interaction (UI:R) and is exploitable locally (AV:L), though it does not require prior authentication (PR:N).

Business impact

The vulnerability carries a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a high severity risk. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain full control over the affected system, leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, or complete service disruption. Because this flaw affects the core operating system, the potential for lateral movement within an enterprise environment is significant.

Remediation

Immediate Action: Update all Apple macOS installations to version 15.6 or later to apply the necessary security validation fixes.

Proactive Monitoring: Review system logs for unusual crashes or unexpected process terminations, which may indicate attempted exploitation of heap corruption vulnerabilities.

Compensating Controls: Ensure that users exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources and utilize endpoint security solutions capable of detecting malicious file structures.

Exploitation status

Public Exploit Available: No — exploit_available is false.

Analyst recommendation

Given the high CVSS score and the potential for full system compromise, organizations should prioritize the deployment of the macOS 15.6 update across their fleet. Immediate patching is the most effective method to eliminate the risk posed by this memory corruption flaw and prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.

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Sources