CVE-2025-31200
About
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1, macOS Sequoia 15.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, visionOS 2.4.1, watchOS 11.5. Processing an audio stream in a maliciously crafted media file may result in code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS released before iOS 18.4.1.
Rainforest analyst review
This is a memory-corruption flaw in Apple's CoreAudio, in the code that parses audio streams within media files. A maliciously crafted media file carrying a malformed audio stream drives the decoder out of bounds, and an attacker who shapes the corruption precisely can turn it into code execution on the device. The processing happens as part of normal media handling across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS, so simply having the device decode the file is enough, with no further interaction required.
Apple states it was exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on iOS versions before 18.4.1, the language it reserves for mercenary-spyware zero-click chains, and this flaw was fixed alongside a related RPAC bypass that such a chain would use to defeat memory protections. The immediate targeting is narrow and high-risk, but disclosure invites broader study of the technique. Update to the fixed builds, iOS and iPadOS 18.4.1, macOS Sequoia 15.4.1, and the matching tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS releases, without delay, prioritizing high-risk users, and for anyone in a plausible targeting profile, Lockdown Mode adds a meaningful barrier against media-parsing zero-clicks like this one.
References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122282
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122400
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122401
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122402
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/122722
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Apr/26
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Jun/14
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/May/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Oct/0
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2025/Oct/4
- https://blog.noahhw.dev/posts/cve-2025-31200/
- https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44161894
- https://github.com/JGoyd/iOS-Attack-Chain-CVE-2025-31200-CVE-2025-31201/blob/main/Remote%20Crypto%20Attack%20Chain%20.md
- https://github.com/cisagov/vulnrichment/issues/200
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-31200
Related CVEs
No related CVEs.
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2025-31200?
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1, macOS Sequoia 15.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, visionOS 2.4.1, watchOS 11.5. Processing an audio stream in a maliciously crafted media file may result in code execution.
How severe is CVE-2025-31200?
CVE-2025-31200 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. On the Rainforest Risk Index — which weighs the severity alongside how easy the flaw is to reach and how broad its impact is — it scores 99 out of 100, in the critical band.
How is CVE-2025-31200 exploited?
According to the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H): attack vector Network, attack complexity Low, privileges required None, user interaction None. Impact on confidentiality High, integrity High and availability High.
Which products are affected by CVE-2025-31200?
Public advisories list the following as affected: ipados, iphone os, macos, tvos, visionos, watchos. Check the references on this page for the exact versions each vendor confirms.
How do I fix CVE-2025-31200?
Apply the fix the vendor published — the references on this page link to the primary advisories and patches. When patching can't happen right away, reduce the exposure of the affected component and watch it for exploitation attempts. Rainforest customers see this vulnerability correlated to their own assets and prioritized by real exposure, not by score alone.
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