Apple has released iOS 15.7 for iPhone and iPadOS 15.7 for iPad to fix several dangerous vulnerabilities, including one that was used in real-life situations.
- What is happening? iOS and iPadOS 15.7 are now available with iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 today (you can upgrade to iOS 16 without having to install iOS 15.7 first).
- Why care? Whenever Apple unexpectedly releases a quick bug fix update, you can bet that it fixes some dangerous zero-day vulnerability.
- What to do? Go to “Settings”→ “Software Update”to install iOS 15.7 right now.
iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7 are now available
“This update contains important security updates and is recommended for all users,”reads the description in the iOS 15.7 changelog on the Apple website. Apple also provides a separate support document that details security updates for Apple software, and it looks like iOS 15.7 fixes a whole host of vulnerabilities.
The support document lists two WebKit vulnerabilities: one in shortcuts, one in the Safari extension system, another in the Safari browser, one in Contacts, one in Maps, four in the iOS core, and one in the library system. It is important to note that iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.6 fixes all of the listed vulnerabilities.
Bugs in the kernel are especially dangerous because the kernel is the low-level software that manages the processor, memory, I/O, and so on. The kernel flaws that iOS and iPadOS 15.7 fixes can be used to bypass Apple’s protections and execute rogue code with kernel privileges, expose kernel memory, and so on.
One vulnerability was likely particularly vexing because Apple notes that it is “aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.”
iOS 15.7 is available for iPhone 6s and later, all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and the seventh generation iPod touch.
How to install iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7
To download and install iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7 without losing your data, use Apple’s built-in Software Update feature in the Settings app.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select “General”from the root list.
- Now select Software Update.
- On the software update screen, click Install next to iOS 15.7 or iPadOS 15.7.
The device must be connected to a power source and connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi to install the update. You are also advised to back up your device using iCloud or a computer before updating its software.