CVE-2025-31246 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/13/2025
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.5, macOS Sonoma 14.7.6. Connecting to a malicious AFP server may corrupt kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-31246 represents a critical memory handling flaw within Apple's macOS operating system that specifically affects the Apple Filing Protocol implementation. This issue manifests when macOS systems connect to malicious AFP servers, creating a pathway for kernel memory corruption that could potentially lead to system instability or unauthorized access. The vulnerability was addressed through enhanced memory management protocols in the aforementioned macOS versions, but remains a significant concern for systems running older releases. The flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with network protocol implementations that fail to properly validate incoming data structures, particularly in kernel-space operations where memory corruption can have far-reaching consequences for system integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory handling mechanisms within the AFP client implementation that processes data from remote servers. When a macOS system establishes a connection to a malicious AFP server, the system's memory management routines fail to properly validate or sanitize the incoming data, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption patterns. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is particularly dangerous in kernel contexts where such flaws can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. The vulnerability's exploitation requires network connectivity and specifically targets AFP protocol implementations, making it relevant primarily to environments that utilize Apple's file sharing protocols or have AFP services enabled.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-31246 extends beyond simple system instability, as kernel memory corruption can potentially enable privilege escalation attacks or system compromise. Organizations running macOS systems that maintain AFP connectivity or have legacy AFP services exposed to untrusted networks face significant risk from this vulnerability. The attack vector requires a malicious AFP server to be accessible, which means that systems with proper network segmentation and firewall rules may be better protected. However, the vulnerability's presence in older macOS versions creates a persistent risk for organizations that have not yet upgraded to the patched releases, as these systems remain susceptible to exploitation by attackers who can establish AFP connections to compromised servers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system upgrades to macOS Sequoia 15.5 or macOS Sonoma 14.7.6, which contain the necessary memory handling improvements. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to prevent unauthorized AFP server connections and consider disabling AFP services on systems that do not require them. The implementation of network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual AFP traffic patterns may provide additional defense in depth. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems that may be running older macOS versions and prioritize their upgrade schedules. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an attack surface that can be exploited through network-based protocols. The remediation approach should include both immediate patching and long-term network security enhancements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.