Apple releases iOS 16.3.1 and other updates to fix ‘actively exploited’ bug

Today, Apple is releasing minor updates to all of its major software platforms to resolve one high-priority security vulnerability and fix several other device and service-related issues. The iOS 16.3.1, iPadOS 16.3.1, and macOS 13.2.1 updates fix a “highly exploited”arbitrary code execution vulnerability in WebKit/Safari, as well as a second kernel vulnerability that is not known to be actively exploited.

These updates also fix an issue that could cause iCloud to stop responding and a Siri bug that prevented it from working properly with Find Me. The HomePod 16.3.2 OS update also fixes some Siri issues that could cause smart home requests to fail. Detailed release notes are not available for watchOS 9.3.1 or tvOS 16.3.2, but these updates are also available for download and supposedly address similar issues.

For iPhone 14 models, the iOS 16.3.1 update brings additional changes to the crash detection security feature. Designed to automatically link to first responders in the event of a car accident or sudden fall, Crash Detection has also made headlines due to the false positives it can generate – rollercoaster rides, skiing, phone drops at high speed, and other activities. . disable crash detection.

For users of older Apple devices, there is a Safari update for macOS Big Sur and Monterey available to fix the WebKit bug, but there is no equivalent iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 update for older iPhones and iPads, nor is there a documented fix for a kernel issue on any of these older operating systems. We asked Apple if these OS versions are vulnerable to these bugs, and if so, if the company plans to release an update for them. We’ll update the article if we get a response.