Key Highlights
- Kernel flaw addressed, safeguarding device memory.
- Swift action taken to fix iPhone vulnerabilities.
- iOS 16.5.1 protects against potential spyware attacks.
Apple has quickly fixed security issues in its iOS system with the new iOS 16.5.1 update. This update protects iPhone and iPad users from potential spyware attacks through iMessage. It not only fixes vulnerabilities in the system’s core and web browser engine but also solves a problem that was preventing charging when using the Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter.
Updates for iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS have also been released, ensuring overall security and fixing other issues.
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Updating to iOS 16.5.1
To update to iOS 16.5.1, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on “General.”
- Look for the “Software Update” option and tap on it.
- If the iOS 16.5.1 update is available, you will see it listed here.
- Tap on “Download and Install” to initiate the update process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the update to download.
- Once the download is complete, tap on “Install Now” to install the update.
- Your device will restart during the installation process.
- After the restart, your device will be updated to iOS 16.5.1.
By promptly installing this update, you can ensure that your iPhone or iPad is protected with the latest security patches and experience optimal performance.
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The Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
These zero-day vulnerabilities, discovered by Kaspersky’s Georgy Kucherin, Leonid Bezvershenko, and Boris Larin, pose potential risks to iPhone users. By leveraging the kernel security flaw, attackers could implant “Triangulation” spyware through iMessage. The spyware would persist in the device’s RAM, remaining until a device reboot or after 30 days. To reinfect the device, a malicious attachment sent via iMessage would be required. Apple credited the aforementioned researchers, along with an unidentified researcher, for their role in identifying and reporting these vulnerabilities.
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Protection & Bug Fix for Charging Issue
To safeguard users, Apple swiftly released iOS 16.5.1, iOS 15.7.7, iPadOS 16.5.1, and iPadOS 15.7.7, all addressing the identified security flaws. Mac users are encouraged to update to macOS 13.4.1, macOS 12.6.7, or macOS 11.7.8 for comprehensive protection. Apple Watch users can ensure their safety by installing the watchOS 9.5.2 or watchOS 8.8.1 updates.
Alongside the security fixes, the iOS 16.5.1 update rectifies an inadvertent bug introduced in the previous iOS 16.5 update. Users who encountered charging issues when using the Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter will find that functionality restored upon updating to iOS 16.5.1.
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