Apple has started rolling out iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates to older iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The updates address some critical security issues that required immediate fixes for users whose devices are not eligible for Apple’s latest iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, and macOS Ventura updates for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks recently released on a stable channel. The company notes a list of 14 different critical security and system vulnerabilities that have been fixed with the latest software updates for older Apple devices.
The technology giant from Cupertino, California has released a total of five software updates for older ones Apple Devices. These include iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.7.3, iPadOS 15.7.3, macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, macOS Monterey 12.6.3.
iPhones older than that iPhone 8 are not compatible with Apple’s latest iOS 16.3 update, making them critically vulnerable to security threats. iOS 12.5.7 and iPadOS 12.5.7 fix these issues iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad Mini 3and 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 discovered by Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group. The vulnerability was exploited by malicious phishing attackers to remotely access devices, execute unauthorized commands or code, additional malware or spyware.
Other WebKit confusion related vulnerabilities fixed in the latest OS updates for macOS are 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 update their devices as soon as possible to protect themselves from malicious attacks. Users who have an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPod touch (6th generation) or devices running macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur are recommended to update to the latest security updates install by going to Settings > General > Software update.
