Apple has recently launched a series of critical updates aimed at enhancing security measures. iOS 16.5.1, iPadOS 16.5.1, macOS 13.4.1, and watchOS 9.5.2 have been made available to users, urgently recommending immediate installation. These updates effectively address vulnerabilities that are currently being actively exploited.
As detailed in Apple’s security support document, these updates tackle two specific vulnerabilities that have the potential to be manipulated by hackers and malicious actors for system attacks.
The first vulnerability involves the kernel, where an improved input validation for an integer overflow has been implemented to rectify the issue. Apple has been alerted to a reported instance of active exploitation of this vulnerability against versions of iOS released prior to iOS 15.7. Consequently, users running iOS 16 or later are likely protected.
The second vulnerability pertains to WebKit, a component of Apple’s software framework. It involves the execution of maliciously crafted web content that could enable the execution of unauthorized code. Apple has received reports suggesting that this vulnerability has also been actively exploited.
It is strongly recommended that users update their devices operating on iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and watchOS 9. For users with older devices, Apple has additionally released iOS 15.7.7, iPadOS 15.7.7, watchOS 8.8.1, macOS 11.7.8, and macOS 12.6.7 to address these vulnerabilities.