Due to zero-day vulnerability: Apple distributes security patches for almost all operating systems
Security patches have been available for various Apple devices since yesterday evening. These patches fix security vulnerabilities on Macs, iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. Some of the vulnerabilities have already been exploited and could be used to spy on devices.
If you've been using your iPhone or Mac today, you'll have noticed that updates are available. Apple released these on Wednesday evening. Apple itself describes the updates as "security-related", but you will search in vain for exact details. The update, or rather the patch, fixes various problems, including security vulnerabilities in the US company's operating systems.
What do the security vulnerabilities do?
The vulnerabilities are so-called zero-day vulnerabilities. Two of them were discovered by security experts from Kaspersky. In this context, Kaspersky reports a malware called "TriangleDB", which could get onto your iPhone via a one-click attack using iMessage.
One-click attack means: You receive a message via iMessage that contains a link. One click is enough for the malware to spread to your iPhone and spy on it. The Russian secret service FSB even claims that Apple has deliberately opened a back door for the US NSA. The NSA is thus spying on iPhone owners from Russia. Apple denies these allegations.
Case number three involves a zero-day vulnerability in WebKit. This makes it possible to remotely execute malicious code on Apple devices. This code is also intended to pull in other malware from the web. For example, cybercriminals can steal data from the device. Be it for misuse or for sale on the darknet.
Which devices are affected
Many devices are affected. I recommend that you download all updates and install them on your Apple devices. They are offered via the normal update menu. However, the updates have different version numbers depending on how old your Apple device is.
Source: Screenshot / Florian Bodoky
iOS 15.7.7 and iPadOS 15.7.7 are available for
iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and iPhone SE (first generation)
iPad Air 2, iPad mini (fourth generation) and iPod Touch (seventh generation)
iOS 16.5.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1 are for
iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all), iPad Air (third generation and later), iPad (fifth generation and later) and iPad mini (fifth generation and later)
macOS
12.7.8 for Big Sur
12.6.7 for Monterey
14.3.1 for Ventura
watchOS 8.1.1
Apple Watch Series 3
watchOS 9.5.2
Apple Watch Series 4 and newer
Cover photo: Florian Bodoky
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.