Apple has released a new version of iOS 18.3 to quickly fix and iPhone passcode hacking tool exploit. This is quite an important update to the software so if you have an iPhone, you should update it asap. iOS 18.3.1 will prevent physical attacks that target locked iPhones in order to bypass the passcode lock.
This is yet another zero-day exploit that Apple has been made aware of which allowed hackers access to data on a locked device. According to Apple, the new version of iOS 18.3.1 patches the software against an attack on USB Restricted Mode. This is a mode that Apple implemente into iOS back in 2018.
The Citizen Lab claims that this patch has arrived after Apple was made aware of the exploit which has reportedly already been used in an “extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals”. The new update will detect a physical attack and disable USB Restricted mode on the iPhone to prevent any further access to your device.
While iOS 18.3.1 targets iPhone and iPad (the update notes are below), Apple has also released new updates for WatchOS, macOS and VisionOS. However, the company didn’t share what fixes are included in these updates.
iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1
Released February 10, 2025
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.
Source: Apple
