Apple has released iOS 18.3.1, bringing a fix for a critical security issue. Apple been very specific about the security issue fixed in iOS 18.3.1.
The main concern in iOS 18.3.1 is a flaw in Accessibility, which has meant that a physical attack could disable USB Restricted Mode on an iPhone or iPad even while it’s locked.
Apple is aware it may have already been exploited in what it describes as an attack against specific individuals. It has been addressed with “improved state management,”.
Tracked as CVE-2025-24200, the issue patched in iOS 18.3.1 was reported by Bill Marczak of The Citizen Lab at The University of Toronto’s Munk School.
Apple’s USB Restricted Mode is a security feature added in iOS 11.4.1 and included in all later versions of iOS and iPadOS.
USB Restricted Mode prevents locked devices from leaking data to any accessories connected to the USB-C or Lightning port,”. Long says.
This means that for any accessory that does more than charging to work with your iPhone or iPad, the device needs to be unlocked at the time you connect it.
The attack fixed in iOS 18.3.1 was highly-targeted, probably affecting high-profile people such as journalists, dissidents, some businesses and government officials. If you fit into this group, update right now.
Given that the flaw is already being used in attacks, it’s essential that all iOS users immediately update to iOS 18.3.1.
iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1 Security Fix
Accessibility
Available for: iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
Impact: A physical attack may disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.
Description: An authorization issue was addressed with improved state management.
iOS 18.3.1 Supported Devices
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
As normal, to update to iOS 18.3.1 go to your iPhone Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 18.3.1 as soon as you possibly can.
