Apple Rolls Out Software Updates With Critical Security Fixes for Older iPhone, iPad, MacBook Models

The security updates patch at least 14 different system and security vulnerabilities on older Apple devices.

Written by Anees Hussain, Edited by Manas Mitul | Updated: 25 January 2023 15:20 IST

Apple Rolls Out Software Updates With Critical Security Fixes for Older iPhone, iPad, MacBook Models

Photo Credit: Apple

Apple released iOS 16.3 for iPhone 8(pictured) and above devices

Highlights

Apple recently released its iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, and MacOS Ventura upda
Older devices ineligible for the latest update are covered in this round
Vulnerabilities addressed include WebKit confusion-related errors

Apple has begun rolling out iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates for older iPhone, iPad, and MacBook models. The updates address some critical security issues that needed immediate fixes for users whose devices are ineligible for Apple's latest iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, and macOS Ventura updates for iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, widely released on a stable channel recently. The company notes a list of 14 different critical security and system vulnerabilities that have been addressed with the latest software updates for older Apple devices.

The Cupertino, California-based technology giant has released a total of five software updates for older Apple devices. This includes iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.7.3, iPadOS 15.7.3, macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, macOS Monterey 12.6.3.

iPhone models older than the iPhone 8 are ineligible for Apple's latest iOS 16.3 update, hence leaving them critically vulnerable to security threats. iOS 12.5.7 and iPadOS 12.5.7 fixes these issues on iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation) devices, Apple confirmed in its security bulletin. The iOS update for older devices addresses a critical WebKit Bugzilla vulnerability with tracking number CVE-2022-42856, which was unearthed by Clément Lecigne of Google's Threat Analysis Group. The vulnerability was being exploited by malicious phishing attackers to remotely access devices, run unauthorized commands or code, additional malware, or spyware.

Other WebKit confusion-related security vulnerabilities addressed in the latest OS updates for macOS include AppleMobileFileIntegrity, curl, dcerpc, DiskArbitration, DriverKit, Intel Graphics Driver, PackageKit, Kernel, Mail Exchange, Maps, Screen Time, Weather, WebKit, and Windows Installer.

With such critical vulnerabilities, users are advised to get their device updates as soon as possible in order to protect themselves from malicious attacks. Users who own iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPod touch (6th generation), or devices running on macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur, are advised to install the latest security updates by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.

Is the new expensive 10th generation iPad worth buying instead of its predecessor? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Further reading: Apple, iPhone, iPad, MacBook, iOS, iPadOS, macOS Ventura, macOS Big Sur, macOS Moneterey, iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.7.3, iPadOS 15.7.3, macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, macOS Monterey 12.6.3