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How the CVE Works
CVE-2025-31258 is a critical sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS Sequoia (pre-15.5). The flaw allows a malicious app to bypass macOS’s strict sandboxing restrictions by exploiting improper validation in a system component. Attackers can craft a specially designed app that manipulates file permissions or IPC (Inter-Process Communication) calls, granting unauthorized access to restricted system resources. This could lead to privilege escalation, data theft, or full system compromise. Apple patched the issue in macOS 15.5 by removing the vulnerable code.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: macOS
Version: Pre-Sequoia 15.5
Vulnerability: Sandbox Escape
Severity: Critical
Date: 05/27/2025
Prediction: Patch expected by 06/10/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation Analysis
- Exploit Vector: Malicious app abuses IPC/file handling.
- PoC Code (Conceptual):
// Crafted IPC call to bypass sandbox mach_msg_send(vulnerable_port, crafted_message);
- Post-Exploit: Gain root/system access.
Protection Commands
- Update Immediately:
softwareupdate --install --all
- Sandbox Hardening:
sandbox-exec -n nointernet /path/to/app
- Monitor Suspicious Activity:
log stream --predicate 'eventMessage CONTAINS "sandbox-violation"'
Mitigation Script
import os
def check_macos_version():
if os.uname().release < "21.5.0":
print("VULNERABLE - Update to macOS 15.5+")
CVSS 4.0 Breakdown
- Attack Vector: Local (App Context)
- Impact: High (Confidentiality/Integrity)
- Exploitability: Low (Requires user interaction)
Forensic Detection
Check for sandbox violations grep "sandbox" /var/log/system.log
Apple’s Patch Verification
system_profiler SPSoftwareDataType | grep "System Version"
Expected Attack Surface
- Malware masquerading as legitimate apps.
- Exploit kits targeting outdated macOS versions.
Zero-Day Risk
- High before patch rollout.
- Active exploitation likely in targeted attacks.
Network Indicators
- Unusual outbound connections from sandboxed apps.
Post-Patch Actions
- Revoke trust in unknown developer-signed apps.
- Audit installed applications for suspicious behavior.
Final Advisory
- Do Not Run Untrusted Apps until updated.
- Enforce Gatekeeper:
spctl --master-enable
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
