The Indian government has issued a warning to Apple users regarding two critical software vulnerabilities discovered in Apple’s operating systems and web browser. These vulnerabilities pose a high risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and could potentially allow hackers to take control of the affected system. This alert, issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlights the importance of promptly updating affected devices.
Understanding the Threat
The vulnerabilities stem from flaws in the code that could be exploited by malicious actors. CERT-In warns that these flaws could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, meaning they could run unauthorized programs or commands on the user’s device. Additionally, attackers might be able to perform cross-site scripting (XSS attacks), injecting malicious scripts into websites viewed through the Safari browser. These attacks could lead to the exposure of sensitive user information, denial of service, and data manipulation.
Scope of Affected Devices
The vulnerabilities affect a wide range of Apple devices and software versions, including:
- iPhone and iPad devices running iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 18.1.1 and 17.7.2.
- Mac computers running macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.1.1.
- Devices using Apple visionOS versions prior to 2.1.1.
- The Safari web browser versions prior to 18.1.1.
This means that users who have not updated their devices to the latest software versions are potentially at risk.
Mitigating the Risk
To address this serious security concern, CERT-In strongly advises all affected Apple users to immediately update their devices to the latest software versions. These updates include:
- iOS 18.1.1 or iOS 17.7.2 for iPhone and iPad.
- macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 for Mac computers.
- visionOS version 2.1.1 for applicable devices.
- Safari version 18.1.1.
These updates contain security patches that address the identified vulnerabilities and help protect users from potential attacks.
Apple regularly releases security updates to address newly discovered vulnerabilities, and it is crucial for users to keep their software up to date to ensure the security of their devices and data. By taking immediate action to update their devices, Apple users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to these software vulnerabilities.
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