Apple releases an emergency update with iOS 14.7.1 to fix some security issues that are already being exploited by cybercriminals.
Apple released iOS 14.7 a week ago, but among the improvements to the system were some worrying bugs. Users in some countries and other countries were left without the ability to unlock their Apple Watch from the iPhone. The update aims to fix this and other bugs found, so all iPhone owners should update their devices even if they do not have an Apple Watch.
The smartphone maker ensures a large update coverage per year with constant updates for its customers. iOS 14.7 added support for magnetic battery on iPhone. However, these updates are also important as a method of patching system bugs or security holes as they are discovered.
On one hand, users had complained about a small bug that prevented them from unlocking the Apple Watch using Touch ID through their phones. This system is found on older models such as the iPhone 6s and newer ones such as the second-generation iPhone SE. However, it’s not the only thing owners of an Apple device should be concerned about.
Zero-day bugs were found last week
Several zero-day vulnerabilities have been found in the last week, which means that they have been used by hackers before developers were able to find them. Hence, the importance of this latest update.
Apple explains that an anonymous researcher has found these vulnerabilities that have already been exploited by cybercriminals. The flaws would be related to the memory of the mobile operating system and some Mac computers. The patch would target the iPhone 6s and later, along with the iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and iPod Touch, as well as macOS Big Sur.
The security flaw could become a big problem for the system, as the report accessed by Apple claims that with an app an attacker could execute code to take over kernel privileges and gain administrator permissions to control the device.
It would be the thirteenth zero-day vulnerability that Apple fixes in 2021 and, according to the report, this breach may have been actively exploited until Apple has found the flaw and remedied it.
This is a clear indication of the importance of keeping all devices up to date. Developers are constantly releasing patches like this one to fix system bugs that can be simply annoying to users or dangerous if exploited by a hacker.
