Just two weeks after an extensive security update, Apple is now closing further iPhone vulnerabilities with iOS 15.3.1.
Apple is already working on a major feature update in the form of iOS 15.4. Face ID can finally recognize users with a face mask. There is also Universal Control, which allows you to work with a mouse and keyboard on Mac and iPad at the same time. Before that happens, however, the company will release iOS 15.3.1, which will bring security patches and an accessibility bug fix.
iOS 15.3 closes vulnerability in WebKit
A flaw in Apple’s WebKit – the browser engine on which Safari is based – allows malicious web content to remotely execute arbitrary code. According to Apple, there are reports that this vulnerability may be actively exploited. This means that cyber criminals actually tried to execute their malicious code.
The reason for the vulnerability is a so-called use-after-free error (UAF). This occurs when a program leaves a reference to it after leaving memory. Attackers can use this link to hack the program. Apple has now closed the gap in iOS 15.3.1 with “improved memory management”.
The vulnerability has been added to the Database of Known Vulnerabilities and Vulnerabilities (CVE) with the identifier CVE-2022-22620. An anonymous security researcher found it.
Bugfix for braille accessibility
The iPhone has a built-in Braille keyboard for accessibility for users who depend on it. This makes it possible to write without using a physical keyboard. However, there was a problem with the Braille assistance on the iPhone display, as the keyboard no longer responded to inputs in some cases. The update to iOS 15.3.1 fixes this problem.
Also interesting: The most common errors in iOS 15 and how to fix them
It is best to install iOS 15.3 right away
TECHBOOK recommends installing the update, which is several hundred megabytes in size, as soon as possible. Whenever there are reports of a vulnerability that may already have been exploited and Apple provides an update specifically for it, users should react.
The update is available for iPhone in the form of iOS 15.3.1 and iPad in the form of iPadOS 15.3.1. It is compatible with all devices that support iOS/iPadOS 15: iPhone 6s and newer, all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 and newer, iPad 5th generation and newer, iPad mini 4 and newer, and iPod touch 7. Generation.