iOS and iPadOS: Operation on a Resource after Expiration or Release
CVE-2025-31253 is a high-severity operation on a resource after expiration or release vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 18.5 as the first without the flaw, so updating iOS and iPadOS to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.22% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update iOS and iPadOS to 18.5 or a later version.
- Update iPadOS to 18.5 or a later version.
- Update Iphone OS to 18.5 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | iOS and iPadOS | before 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Apple | iPadOS | before 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Apple | Iphone OS | before 18.5 | 18.5 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
This issue was addressed through improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5. Muting the microphone during a FaceTime call may not result in audio being silenced.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Operation on a Resource after Expiration or Release
The product uses, accesses, or otherwise operates on a resource after that resource has been expired, released, or revoked.
More Operation on a Resource after Expiration or Release vulnerabilities (CWE-672)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- support.apple.com/en-us/122404Release Notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in iOS and iPadOS
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Operation on a Resource after Expiration or Release vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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