CVE-2025-31253 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms affecting the FaceTime application. The core issue is that when a user mutes their microphone during a FaceTime call, the audio may not actually be silenced due to improper state management within the system. This means that despite the user’s expectation and interface indication that the microphone is muted, audio can still be transmitted to other call participants. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-672, which relates to operations on a resource after it has been invalidated or improperly managed, indicating a logic flaw in the handling of the mute state. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to iOS/iPadOS 18.5, where Apple has implemented fixes to improve state management and ensure the mute function behaves correctly. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H) shows that the attack vector is local (requiring the user to be on a device and interact with the FaceTime call), with low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The scope is unchanged, and the impact is high on confidentiality and availability, with no impact on integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for privacy breaches is significant because users may unknowingly transmit sensitive audio. This vulnerability is particularly critical in environments where confidentiality of communications is paramount, such as corporate, governmental, or legal settings. The fix is included in iOS and iPadOS 18.5 releases, emphasizing the importance of timely patching. Organizations should also review their use of FaceTime for sensitive communications and consider alternative secure communication tools if patching is delayed.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-31253 is a breach of confidentiality. Users who believe their microphone is muted during FaceTime calls may inadvertently transmit sensitive audio, leading to unintended information disclosure. This can compromise personal privacy and corporate confidentiality, especially in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors. The availability impact is also rated high because the vulnerability could disrupt trust in communication tools, potentially forcing organizations to suspend or limit FaceTime usage until patched. For European organizations, this vulnerability poses compliance risks under GDPR and other privacy regulations, as unauthorized audio capture could be considered a data breach. The vulnerability requires user interaction but no elevated privileges, making it easier for attackers to exploit in scenarios where social engineering or insider threats exist. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the widespread use of Apple devices in Europe means the attack surface is large. The risk is heightened in remote work environments where FaceTime is used for confidential meetings. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer trust.

1. Immediate deployment of iOS and iPadOS 18.5 or later on all Apple devices used within the organization to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Implement strict policies restricting the use of FaceTime for sensitive or confidential communications until devices are updated. 3. Educate users about the vulnerability and encourage verification of microphone status during calls, including using physical microphone covers or external mute switches where feasible. 4. Monitor network traffic for unusual audio data transmissions during FaceTime calls, leveraging endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of analyzing application behavior. 5. For highly sensitive environments, consider disabling FaceTime or replacing it with alternative secure communication platforms that have undergone rigorous security assessments. 6. Conduct regular audits of device software versions and communication tool usage to ensure compliance with security policies. 7. Coordinate with Apple support channels for any additional guidance or updates related to this vulnerability. 8. Incorporate this vulnerability into incident response plans to quickly identify and mitigate any exploitation attempts.