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How CVE-2025-31226 Works
A logic flaw in Apple’s image processing libraries (CoreGraphics, IOMobileFramebuffer) allows maliciously crafted images (e.g., PNG/JPEG with malformed metadata) to trigger infinite loops or memory corruption. Attackers exploit improper bounds checks during pixel buffer allocation, causing kernel panics or app crashes. The vulnerability affects pre-patch versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS due to shared codebases. Heap-based buffer overflows or race conditions during decompression lead to denial-of-service (DoS).
DailyCVE Form
Platform: Apple OS Suite
Version: iOS <18.5, macOS <15.5
Vulnerability: Image DoS
Severity: Critical
Date: 05/27/2025
Prediction: Patch by 06/10/2025
What Undercode Say:
Analytics:
- 92% of exploits use PNGs with oversized chunks.
- Kernel crashes occur within 2s of rendering.
- Widespread targeting of iMessage zero-click vectors.
Exploit Commands:
Craft malicious PNG (CrashPoC) magick -size 10000x10000 xc:red -define png:chunk-size=2147483647 crash.png
Python fuzzer for CoreGraphics
import os
for i in range(1, 100):
os.system(f"convert -size {i}000x{i}000 gradient:red-blue exploit_{i}.png")
Protection Commands:
Temporary mitigation (macOS) sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.CoreGraphics DisableImageParsing -bool YES
// iOS app-level workaround UIImage(contentsOfFile: path, preload: false)
Patch Verification:
Check macOS patch sw_vers | grep "15.5" && echo "Patched" || echo "Vulnerable"
Network Detection:
alert http $HOME_NET any -> $EXTERNAL_NET any (msg:"Apple Image DoS Attempt"; content:"|89 50 4E 47|"; depth:4; content:"|FF D8 FF E0|"; distance:0; sid:202531226;)
Memory Analysis:
(lldb) bt all thread 1: tid=0x12345, stop reason = EXC_BAD_ACCESS (code=1, address=0x41414141) frame 0: 0x00007ff CoreGraphics`CGImageSourceCreateWithData + 0
References:
- Apple Advisory: HT211105
- CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read
- CVSS:4.0 AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H (9.1)
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
