CVE-2025-31208 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/13/2025
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, tvOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, visionOS 2.5, macOS Ventura 13.7.6. Parsing a file may lead to an unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-31208 represents a critical parsing flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including watchOS, macOS, tvOS, and iOS across various versions. This issue manifests when applications process certain malformed files, leading to unexpected termination of the affected applications. The vulnerability was addressed through enhanced validation mechanisms and improved input sanitization procedures within the affected software ecosystems.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and memory corruption, which can be categorized as CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and potentially CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read. The vulnerability exploits weaknesses in how applications handle file parsing operations, particularly when encountering malformed or unexpected data structures within input files. Attackers could potentially craft malicious files designed to trigger this parsing error, causing applications to crash or terminate unexpectedly.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system stability and user experience across Apple's ecosystem. The unexpected application termination could disrupt critical workflows, particularly in enterprise environments where applications may be running important business processes. The vulnerability affects multiple platforms simultaneously, indicating a systemic issue within Apple's file processing libraries that could be leveraged to create denial-of-service conditions across various device types including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and television systems.
The remediation efforts implemented by Apple involved comprehensive code reviews and enhanced validation procedures within their file processing frameworks. The fixes were rolled out through multiple software updates including watchOS 11.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, tvOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, and visionOS 2.5. These updates demonstrate Apple's approach to addressing vulnerabilities through systematic patch management and proactive security maintenance. The mitigation strategy aligns with ATT&CK framework's T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service, though the specific implementation targets application-level rather than network-level disruptions.
Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates across all affected devices to prevent potential exploitation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially create security risks in environments where application stability is critical. System administrators should monitor for any unusual application termination patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all endpoints are updated to the latest patched versions. The remediation process should include verification of update installation and monitoring of system logs for any signs of continued instability or unexpected behavior following patch deployment.