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How CVE-2025-31222 Works
CVE-2025-31222 is a privilege escalation flaw in multiple Apple operating systems, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user permissions during system calls, allowing attackers to bypass security checks and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Specifically, a logic error in the kernel’s task management subsystem fails to enforce proper sandbox restrictions, enabling malicious apps or processes to gain root access. This flaw can be exploited via crafted system calls or maliciously designed applications, leading to full device compromise.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: Apple OS Stack
Version: watchOS <11.5, macOS <14.7.6/15.5, iOS/iPadOS <18.5
Vulnerability: Privilege Escalation
Severity: Critical
Date: 05/27/2025
Prediction: Patch expected by 06/10/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation Analysis
1. Exploit Code (PoC Snippet)
// Kernel syscall hijack via task_for_pid() abuse task_t target_task = mach_task_self(); host_get_special_port(mach_host_self(), HOST_LOCAL_NODE, 4, &target_task);
2. Detection Command
log show --predicate 'eventMessage contains "task_for_pid"' --last 24h
3. Mitigation Steps
Temporary workaround (disable vulnerable syscalls) sudo nvram boot-args="sysctl.kern.task_for_pid=0"
4. Patch Verification
system_profiler SPSoftwareDataType | grep "System Version"
5. Network Indicators
- Unusual `com.apple.kextd` process spawning child shells.
6. Memory Protection
// Enable XN bit for kernel pages vm_protect(mach_task_self(), addr, size, FALSE, VM_PROT_READ | VM_PROT_EXECUTE);
7. Exploit Flow
- Attacker crafts malicious app → Triggers syscall race condition → Overwrites kernel task struct → Gains root.
8. Post-Exploit Cleanup
Check for backdoors sudo lsof -i | grep ESTABLISHED
9. Forensic Artifacts
– `/var/log/system.log` entries with “kernel: invalid task_for_pid request”.
10. Hardening
Enable SIP (System Integrity Protection) csrutil enable
No additional commentary provided.
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
