CVE-2025-31227 is a logic vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that affects the handling of deleted call recordings. The flaw stems from inadequate validation checks that allow an attacker with physical access to a device to retrieve call recordings that were previously deleted. This vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction to exploit, but physical possession of the device is mandatory. The issue was resolved by Apple through improved logic checks in iOS and iPadOS version 18.5. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization), indicating that the system failed to properly enforce access controls on sensitive data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.6, reflecting a medium severity level primarily due to the requirement of physical access and the impact being limited to confidentiality. The vulnerability does not affect the integrity or availability of the device or its data. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at this time. However, the exposure of deleted call recordings could lead to leakage of sensitive communications, which is particularly concerning for organizations handling confidential or regulated information. The vulnerability affects all unspecified versions of iOS and iPadOS prior to 18.5, emphasizing the importance of timely patching. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in enterprise and government sectors, especially in Europe, this vulnerability represents a tangible risk if devices are lost, stolen, or accessed without authorization.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-31227 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive call recordings that users believed were deleted, compromising confidentiality. For European organizations, this could lead to exposure of private communications, intellectual property, or personal data, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The vulnerability does not affect data integrity or system availability, limiting its scope to confidentiality breaches. The requirement for physical access reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where devices are used outside secure premises or are prone to theft or loss. Sectors such as finance, government, legal, and healthcare in Europe, which often rely on iOS devices for secure communications, could face reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational risks if sensitive call recordings are exposed. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for organizations to remediate before active attacks emerge. However, the medium severity rating indicates that while the risk is not critical, it is significant enough to warrant prompt attention, particularly in high-security contexts.

1. Ensure all Apple iOS and iPadOS devices are updated to version 18.5 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. 2. Implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage, use of strong device passcodes, and biometric protections. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, remotely wipe lost or stolen devices, and monitor device compliance. 4. Educate users about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices immediately. 5. Review and limit the use of call recording features where possible, especially in environments handling sensitive information. 6. Conduct regular audits of device security posture and access logs to detect any unauthorized physical access attempts. 7. Consider encryption of call recordings and sensitive data at rest to add an additional layer of protection. 8. Integrate incident response plans that include procedures for potential data exposure due to physical device compromise. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on physical security, device management, and organizational policies tailored to mitigate risks from this specific vulnerability.