Apple has publicly released iOS 17.3 and macOS Sonoma, bringing new features such as collaborative playlist creation in Apple Music and a new theft protection mode for iPhone users. However, both updates also include over 10 security fixes.
According to Apple’s security release page, iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 collectively address 15 security fixes, while macOS Sonoma 14.3 fixes 16 security vulnerabilities. Many of the discovered and patched exploits are common to both iOS and macOS due to shared features and applications.
One of the fixed exploits concerns Apple’s Neural Engine and could have allowed arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. Another exploit in the Mail Search app could have granted third-party apps access to sensitive user data. There is also a fixed exploit that allowed shortcuts to utilize sensitive data without user consent.
An interesting exploit related to time zone management was the ability for apps to access a user’s phone number in system logs. This exploit has also been addressed in the updates. Apple has also patched numerous security vulnerabilities found in Safari, WebKit, and the system kernel.
Regularly updating devices to the latest operating system version is crucial for protecting them from malicious software.
Update Now!
iPhone and iPad users can update to iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Mac users can install macOS Sonoma 14.3 by going to System Preferences > General > Software Update.
Additionally, Apple has also released iOS 16.7.5 and iOS 15.8.1 with these security fixes for devices that no longer receive major system updates.
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FAQ Section based on the main topics and information provided in the article:
Question: What new features are introduced in the iOS 17.3 and macOS Sonoma updates?
Answer: The updates bring new features such as collaborative playlist creation in Apple Music and a new theft protection mode for iPhone users.
Question: How many security fixes are included in these updates?
Answer: According to Apple, iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 collectively address 15 security fixes, while macOS Sonoma 14.3 fixes 16 security vulnerabilities.
Question: Are the detected exploits similar for iOS and macOS?
Answer: Yes, most of the detected and patched exploits are similar for both iOS and macOS because both systems share many features and applications.
Question: What security issues have been fixed in these updates?
Answer: Among the fixed exploits are the ability for Apple’s Neural Engine to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, third-party app access to sensitive user data through the Mail Search app, and the ability for shortcuts to use sensitive data without user consent.
Question: How important is it to regularly update devices to the latest operating system version?
Answer: Regularly updating devices is extremely important for protecting them from malicious software.
Suggested Related Links:
1. [Apple iOS 17 Information](https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-17/)
2. [Apple macOS Sonoma Information](https://www.apple.com/macos/sonoma/)
3. [Apple Safari Information](https://www.apple.com/safari/)
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The source of the article is from the blog windowsvistamagazine.es