CVE-2025-31255: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-31255 is an authorization vulnerability discovered in Apple's IOKit component that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, watchOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. The vulnerability was discovered by Csaba Fitzl of Kandji and disclosed on September 15, 2025. The issue allows an app to potentially access sensitive user data due to an authorization issue in the system (Apple Support, NVD).

The vulnerability stems from an authorization issue in the IOKit component that was addressed with improved state management. The issue has received a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 9.8 (CRITICAL) with a vector string of CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating high severity across confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) (NVD).

The vulnerability allows a malicious app to access sensitive user data, potentially compromising user privacy and security across affected Apple devices. The high CVSS score indicates critical severity with potential for complete compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability (NVD).

Apple has addressed this vulnerability by implementing improved state management in the IOKit component. The fix is available in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS Sonoma 14.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7, watchOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. Users are advised to update their devices to these versions to protect against potential exploitation (Apple Support).