HIGHLIGHTS
* Apple is rolling out iOS 16.5.1 update to iPhone 8 and later models.
* The new update brings two new security updates and lightning to USB 3 adapter fix.
* The Cupertino-based tech giant is also rolling out iPadOS 16.5.1, macOS 13.4.1, and watchOS 9.5.2 updates.
iPhone users, you should update your device to the latest software update. Apple has rolled out iOS 16.51, which among other features, fixes two critical security flaws.
According to a report by The Washington Post, these security flaws had been used to hack iPhones in Russia. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky had flagged off the security flaws and Apple has thanked them for pointing it out.
Kaspersky had pointed out that “the malicious code installed after infection had 24 commands, including extracting passwords from Apple’s Keychain, monitoring locations, and modifying or exporting files,” as per The Washington Post report.
In its release notes, Apple said that “an app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.7.”
The second security flaw is related to the Webkit and Apple noted “Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.”
The update is available for iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 5th generation and later.
As for the overall update, the release notes note that “this update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users. It also fixes an issue that prevents charging with the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.”
Apple is rolling out the iOS 16.5.1 update to iPhone users worldwide, less than a couple of months after iOS 16.5 came out.
Notably, iOS 16.5 broke the charging support for lightning to USB 3 camera adapter, which the latest update fixes.
Additionally, iOS 16.5.1 also brings bug fixes and security patches to address security vulnerabilities that may have been actively exploited. This is the reason why those who have iPhone 8 or newer model must update their iPhones to iOS 16.5.1.
iOS 16.5.1 Brings Security and Camera Adapter Fixes
Apple is rolling out the latest iOS 16.5.1 update to all those who have iPhone 8 or newer. The changelog states, “This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users. It also fixes an issue that prevents charging with the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.”
Like every other x.x.1 iOS update in the past, iOS 16.5.1 is also a minor update but brings significant fixes for security vulnerabilities.
It’s advised to download and install the latest update as soon as possible after it’s available on your device.
According to the official Apple security support webpage, the new update brings fixes for two security vulnerabilities, which might have been actively exploited by bad elements. These include kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities.
The kernel vulnerability exposed the core of the iOS code to malicious applications that could execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges to gain third-party unrestricted access to the system.
On the other hand, the WebKit vulnerability also leads to arbitrary code execution, which allows a third party to hack your device or steal sensitive data.
Apple has received reports of both these vulnerabilities being exploited actively and hence fixed the issues in the latest update.
However, the company notes that these vulnerabilities were actively exploited on iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.6 or older. Therefore, those who are on iOS 16 are already safe. But for an extra measure, it’s best to update to iOS 16.5.1 as soon as possible.
How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 16.5.1?
Those on iPhone 8 and newer should be able to update their device to the latest iOS 16.5.1 immediately. Follow the steps below to update your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to General and tap on it.
3. Click on the Software Update option.
4. You should see the iOS 16.5.1 update.
5. Tap on Download and Install.
Who are eligible for iOS 16.5.1 update?
Apple says that the list of eligible iPhones include iPhone 8 and later. The Cupertino-based company has also rolled out iPadOS 16.5.1 which is available for iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 5th generation and later.
Faqs
1) How to update to latest version of iOS?
Ans) iPhone users can simply go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now.
2) Apple rolls out iOS 16.5.1 update, fixes ‘critical’ security flaw: Here’s how to download?
Ans) Apple has released iOS 16.5.1 update for the iPhone users. The update comes with fix for a critical security which, as per a report by The Washington Post, had been used to exploit iPhones in Russia.
The security flaw was detected by Russian security software maker Kaspersky Lab. It said that the attack happened by sending an iMessage with a malicious attachment. The attacker, as per the security firm, can infect the user’s device and run the code without ever seeing the message.
Sharing more details, Kaspersky said that the malicious code installed after infection had 24 commands. These were commands like extracting passwords from Apple’s Keychain, monitoring locations, and modifying or exporting files, says the report.
In its release notes, Apple says that the iOS 16.5.1 update fixes two critical security flaws. The company says that it is aware that an app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It also knows of “a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.7.”
Second vulnerability that the iOS 16.5.1 fixes is related to Webkit. The update release notes state “Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.”
Also Read: iOS 17 features for iPhones, as per the latest leak