Time to update your Apple products once more—but this time, not for new features. This most recent update fixes two zero-day security vulnerabilities in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS instead of bringing new features like collaborative playlists or the option to customize your default alert tone.
The latest features of macOS Sonoma 14.1.2 and iOS 17.1.2
On Thursday, Apple released the new versions of macOS Sonoma 14.1.2, iOS 17.1.2, and iPadOS 17.1.2. It’s interesting to note that since they both fix the same two problems, the Mac update and the iOS and iPadOS updates are nearly identical.
The two zero-day vulnerabilities are related to WebKit, which is the foundational software that drives Safari. The first, identified as CVE-2023-42916, exposes users to risk if they interact with malicious web content, which could reveal private data to unscrupulous parties. The second, identified as CVE-2023-42917, may permit the user to execute arbitrary code when they interact with malicious web content. This implies that a malevolent party may introduce malicious code into your system and seize control of your device.
The possibility of user exploitation is what distinguishes these two vulnerabilities as zero-days. In their security notes, Apple confirmed this, mentioning iOS versions prior to 16.7.1 in particular. That suggests that while current versions of iOS (and macOS) aren’t necessarily impacted by the zero-day, they might be in the future if malevolent actors manage to take advantage of the flaws in these versions. It is imperative that all Apple users update their devices as soon as possible, regardless of the circumstances.
These updates follow the Tuesday Chrome update that fixed a zero-day vulnerability impacting browsers based on the Chromium platform, including Edge, Brave, and Chrome.
Ways to update iOS and Android devices
To upgrade to iPadOS and iOS 17.1.2, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. Permit the updated version to search for your iPhone or iPad. Download and install the software on your device by following the on-screen instructions when available.
How to update the Mac OS
Click System Settings > General > Software Update in macOS. For instructions on how to download and install the update, see the screen after it appears.
