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Apple has release new features for its products in a bid to addresses a critical security vulnerabilitiesties within the accessibility framework. Apple released iOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 18.3.1, and iPadOS 17.7.5 with new updated features on February 10, 2025.
“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,” Apple stated.
In 2018, apple introduced an iOS 11.4.1 with a USB Restricted Mode which was designed to and protect user data encryption and prevent device passcode bypass. However, this mode disables data access through the device’s USB port when the device is locked for more than an hour creating security vulnerability.
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This design allowed physical attackers to disable USB Restricted Mode on locked devices, potentially granting unauthorized access to data. Apple has acknowledged reports of this vulnerability being exploited in highly sophisticated attacks targeting specific individuals. Therefore, resolving the issue through improved design and updates.
These new update patches the OS against an attack on USB Restricted Modes. iOS 18 has also added a new “inactivity reboot” that would restart unused devices after a few days so that they require a passcode for access.
Regarding the exploitation, reports by Bill Marczak of The Citizen Lab and apple in their support page stated that the issue may have been exploited with attack against specific targeted individuals.
“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 individual,” the statement reads.
The updates are also allegedly designed to improve customizing experience after reports on lag in their screen board. Some of the updates include, Overhauled calculator app and the mail app. remove/ replace option on the button, new capabilities on action button, arrangement of app tint icon to share the same color, hiding the apps, improve control center, and dialogue in tv movies app.
