This vulnerability allows an app to delete files without proper permissions due to improper symlink handling in Apple’s OS suite (visionOS, macOS, iOS, etc.). The flaw arises when the OS fails to enforce proper access controls on symbolic links, enabling malicious apps to bypass file permission checks. When a symlink points to a restricted file, the OS may incorrectly validate the app’s permissions, allowing unauthorized deletion. This could lead to system instability, data loss, or privilege escalation if critical system files are targeted.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: Apple OS Suite
Version: visionOS <2.4, macOS <13.7.5/14.7.5/15.4, iOS/iPadOS <18.4
Vulnerability: Symlink privilege bypass
Severity: Critical
Date: 04/04/2025
What Undercode Say:
Analytics:
- CVSS 4.0 Score: 9.1 (Critical)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Impact: Data loss, privilege escalation
Exploit (PoC):
ln -s /etc/passwd /tmp/malicious_link rm /tmp/malicious_link
Note: Requires app-level execution.
Detection:
find / -type l -perm /o+w -ls
Mitigation:
1. Apply Apple patches immediately.
2. Restrict app permissions via sandboxing:
codesign -dv /Applications/SuspiciousApp.app
3. Monitor symlink creation:
auditctl -w /tmp -p wa -k symlink_monitor
Kernel-Level Protection (macOS):
include <sys/kauth.h>
int validate_symlink(const char path) {
return kauth_authorize_fileop(..., KAUTH_FILEOP_DELETE);
}
Apple Patch Verification:
system_profiler SPSoftwareDataType | grep "System Version"
Log Analysis:
log show --predicate 'eventMessage contains "symlink"'
References:
- bash
- NVD CVE-2025-31182
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-31182
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
