CVE-2025-31226: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-31226 is a logic vulnerability discovered in Apple's ImageIO component that affects multiple Apple operating systems including watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, and visionOS 2.5. The vulnerability was disclosed on May 12, 2025, and was discovered by security researcher Saagar Jha (Apple Security Updates).

The vulnerability stems from a logic issue in the ImageIO component that processes images. The issue was addressed with improved checks in the affected systems. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 Base Score of 5.5 (MEDIUM) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, indicating local access is required and user interaction is needed (NVD).

When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service condition when processing a maliciously crafted image. This could result in application crashes or system instability in affected Apple devices (Apple Security Updates).

Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability across their affected operating systems. Users should update to watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, iPadOS 17.7.7, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, or visionOS 2.5 depending on their device (Apple Security Updates).