Apple Releases Urgent Software Patch for USB Vulnerability
Trouble in paradise? Apple released a security update to fix an issue which may expose a security risk. The security risk stems from the USB protocol.
Apple isn’t sharing details about who is being targeted, no surprise there.
The vulnerability, known as CVE-2025-24200, could allow someone with physical access to an iPhone to turn off USB Restricted Mode, even if the device is locked.
USB Restricted Mode is the highest probability of having your device exposed to the security risk. The “restricted mode” is a security feature that stops unauthorized people from accessing an iPhone’s data through the lightning port. When this feature is on, the port only allows charging if the phone has been locked for more than an hour. This makes it harder for hackers to break into a locked phone without the correct login information.
The update is available for iPhone XS and newer models, as well as several iPad models, including iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation and later), iPad Air (third generation and later), iPad (seventh generation and later), and iPad mini (fifth generation and later).
If you have one of these devices, please update your software as soon as possible. You can check for updates in your device settings.
These types of security flaws are often used by spyware companies, like Pegasus, to spy on specific people. The average user isn’t at risk right now since the details of the attack haven’t been shared publicly. However, if they do get published, criminals could copy the method, making updates even more important.
A cyberattack on a mobile device happens when hackers try to gain access to a smartphone or tablet to steal information, take control, or cause harm. These attacks can occur in different ways, including malicious apps, phishing scams, security flaws, or even physical access to the device.
Malware is one of the most common threats, where harmful software is installed to steal data, track activity, or take over the device. Phishing attacks trick users into providing personal information or login credentials through fake emails, messages, or websites.
Other adapters already offered by Apple include options for SD card readers, VGA connectors, Lightning to HDMI, Firewire, and eSATA.
The new micro USB adapter comes at a cost of $19.
Voltaic is a company that deals with voltage. They specialize in the solar charging to create volts. Their latest entry is the Spark. The Spark is a solar panel design for tablet and notebooks.
Voltaic is marketing the Spark for the iPad – and why not as there’s plenty of marketing spin going on for Apple tablets.
The Spark will generate 8watts of solar power. So for those who don’t have an electrical engineering degree, or simply can’t do the math – one hour of sun to the Spark will generate enough power to run one hour of video off the iPad. Not bad.
With the increased sales volume of Apple products, this new connector type could become an industry standard – oh wait – it can’t – because Apple wont license their female part of the connector. This means tablets like the Motorola Zoom and others could not pivot off the 30 pin design. But rather stay with traditional power pins and USB interface. This gives Apple the edge up on keeping their products slimmer and thus more light weight.
The AirStash, in one word, Amazing. This device solves all the problems of lack of storage with Apple products. With the AirStash you can now budget down to purchase the cheapest iPad or iPhone because the AirStash gives you the extra storage you need.
The AirStash, in simple terms, is a wireless storage dongle you carry around which provides unlimited storage.
The AirStash uses self powered WiFi to sync with your iPod, iPad or iPhone. The AirStash uses an SD slot for unlimited storage. The controller on the AirStash will recognize up to 32GB SD cards…from there you just swap out memory and keep saving.
Since the AirStash is wireless you can stream audio or video from the device to your Apple product. This means you can run GBs of music or videos without bogging down all the memory on your iPhone or iPad.
The only drawback I see is that you cannot dump photo’s from your Apple product to the AirStash [I’ve emailed the company to make sure my info is correct]. But you can easily take pictures using a digital camera [that uses SD cards] and simply pull the SD card from the digital camera and upload those photo’s to your iPhone / iPad.
The AirStash [kudos on the creative name] is available for $99 and is well worth the money rather than paying $100s more for a bigger Apple product.
If you’re not convinced yet, watch this 3 min YouTube video and get hooked.
