Microsoft Security Blog: Sploitlight: Analyzing a Spotlight-based macOS TCC vulnerability

Jul 28, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/28/sploitlight-analyzing-a-spotlight-based-macos-tcc-vulnerability/
Source: Microsoft Security Blog
Title: Sploitlight: Analyzing a Spotlight-based macOS TCC vulnerability

Feedly Summary: Microsoft Threat Intelligence has discovered a macOS vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-31199, that could allow attackers to steal private data of files normally protected by Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC), including the ability to extract and leak sensitive information cached by Apple Intelligence.
The post Sploitlight: Analyzing a Spotlight-based macOS TCC vulnerability appeared first on Microsoft Security Blog.

AI Summary and Description: Yes

**Summary:** The text provides an in-depth analysis of a vulnerability in macOS—specifically involving a TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) bypass known as “Sploitlight.” This flaw allows attackers to exploit Spotlight plugins to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, including geolocation data and user preferences, potentially compromising multiple devices linked to the same iCloud account. Highlighting insights from Microsoft Threat Intelligence, the article underscores the importance of proactive security measures and software updates to mitigate such threats.

**Detailed Description:**
The article discusses a newly discovered macOS vulnerability named “Sploitlight,” which threatens user privacy by allowing attackers to bypass the TCC, a system aimed at protecting personal information. Below are the key points covered:

– **Nature of the Vulnerability:**
– Sploitlight takes advantage of Spotlight plugins, which are designed for indexing content on macOS but can be manipulated to extract sensitive data.
– The implications are severe due to the type of data that can be potentially accessed—this includes geolocation data, images, videos, and personal preferences.

– **Coordination with Apple:**
– Microsoft detected this vulnerability and responsibly disclosed it to Apple, leading to a patch (CVE-2025-31199) in the security updates for macOS Sequoia.

– **Understanding TCC:**
– TCC is implemented to safeguard user data, requiring applications to seek user permission before accessing sensitive directories or information.
– The text details how the vulnerability circumvents these safeguards by manipulating Spotlight plugins into accessing protected directories.

– **Technical Exploitation Steps:**
– Attackers can change the Info.plist file within plugins to declare the file types they wish to access, then use command line tools to execute the exploitation process without requiring TCC permissions.
– The process involves logging sensitive file content and exfiltrating data from critical user directories like Downloads and Pictures.

– **Sensitive Data Impact:**
– The data that can be leaked includes:
– Precise geolocation data and location history.
– Metadata from photos and videos, including timestamps and device details.
– Face recognition data and user activity logs.
– Potential insights into deleted items that may still exist on the device.

– **Broader Implications:**
– The vulnerability’s remote linking capability allows attackers to access and infer information from other devices linked to the same iCloud account, highlighting a significant security risk across Apple’s ecosystem.
– Microsoft emphasizes the necessity for organizations to be proactive in detecting and remedying such vulnerabilities, using tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

– **Recommendations:**
– Users are strongly encouraged to apply the relevant Apple security updates promptly.
– The piece advocates for continuous monitoring of the threat landscape and collaboration among security stakeholders to protect user data effectively.

In conclusion, the “Sploitlight” vulnerability not only highlights the fragility of user data protections on macOS but also illustrates the need for robust defense mechanisms and rapid remediation to ensure user privacy and security. Security professionals must remain vigilant and proactive to mitigate the risks associated with such vulnerabilities.

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