Apple has released iOS 15.3 to urgently fix 10 serious vulnerabilities

Apple has urgently released the iOS 15.3 update, to solve no less than 10 security problems of the operating system, as well as of the Safari browser. These vulnerabilities, recently discovered, allowed unsigned code to be executed on devices, thus jeopardizing data stored on Apple phones and computers, while the Safari browser could be compromised to reveal browser history as well as personal data on various accounts.

iOS 15.3 is a security update rather than a system update

The description of the iOS 15.3 update only states that security issues have been resolved and that it is recommended for installation on all compatible devices. In addition to iOS 15.3, new versions have been released for iPadOS 15.3, watchOS 8.4, and macOS Monterey 12.2. Because all Apple operating systems are built on the same base, they are usually updated simultaneously, as they usually all have the same vulnerabilities.

This update seems to have been rushed by Apple as it does not include any new capabilities to justify the version change. Also, the proximity of this update to the previous version, iOS 12.2.2, of only two weeks is not characteristic for Apple. That version fixes a vulnerability in the HomeKit system, which controls smart home devices. This allowed Denial of Service attacks using smart devices.

If you have an iPhone 6S or later, an iPad version 2 or later, a MacBook from the last few years, or an Apple Watch from Series 3 to Series 7, it would be a good idea to update. as soon as possible. The Apple devices you use may be vulnerable to attacks. These attacks could be carried out directly through the browser, especially if you are using Safari.

List of devices compatible with the new updates:

iOS 15.3

• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone Xs
• iPhone Xs Max
• iPhone Xr
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPod touch (7th generation)

iPadOS 15.3

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch M1 (5th generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch M1 (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2021 (4th generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch 2021 (2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2018 (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 (1st generation)
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
• 10.5-inch iPad Pro
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro
• iPad (9th generation)
• iPad (8th generation)
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad (6th generation)
• iPad (5th generation)
• iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad mini 4
• iPad Air (4th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad Air 2

macOS Monterey 12.2

• iMac – Late 2015 so far
• Mac Pro – Late 2013 so far
• iMac Pro – 2017 so far
• Mac mini – Late 2014 so far
• MacBook Air – Early 2015 to date
• MacBook – Early 2016 to date
• MacBook Pro – Early 2015 to date

watchOS 8.4

• Apple Watch Series 3
• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7

source: TechCrunch