The Urgency Behind iOS 18.3.1
Apple has issued an urgent warning for iPhone users to install iOS 18.3.1, released on February 11, 2025. This emergency update addresses a critical vulnerability (tracked as CVE-2025-24200) in the Accessibility framework that could allow attackers to bypass USB Restricted Mode on locked devices. The exploit, reported by researchers at The Citizen Lab, has already been used in “extremely sophisticated” attacks targeting high-risk individuals like journalists, activists, and government officials.
What Is USB Restricted Mode?
Introduced in iOS 11.4.1, USB Restricted Mode prevents unauthorized accessories from accessing data on a locked iPhone. For example, it blocks tools like GrayKey—used by law enforcement—from extracting information without the device passcode. The iOS 18.3.1 flaw allowed physical attackers to disable this feature, potentially exposing sensitive data.
Who Needs to Update?
The update is available for:
iPhone XS and newer models
Select iPads (Pro, Air, mini 5th gen+)
Apple has not released patches for older devices, suggesting they are unaffected. Users are urged to navigate to Settings > General > Software Update immediately 17.
Why This Update Matters
Active Exploitation: Apple confirmed the vulnerability was exploited in real-world attacks, emphasizing its severity.
Targeted Risk: While average users may not be at high risk, those in sensitive roles must prioritize this patch to avoid data breaches.
Silent Fix: Apple withheld technical details to prevent further exploitation, a common practice for high-stakes vulnerabilities.
What Else to Know
iOS 18.3.1 is a minor update (≈676MB) focused on security, with no new features 37.
iPadOS 17.7.5 was released concurrently for older iPads.
The next major update, iOS 18.4, is expected in April with AI-driven Siri enhancements 35.
