Apple has released iOS 15.4.1, along with a reminder to update as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that iOS 15.4.1 only contains a single security update for a serious flaw that is already being used by hackers to target iPhones.
To allow as many iPhones as possible to be updated before more attackers get hold of the details, Apple doesn't go into great detail about what's fixed in iOS 15.4.1. iOS 15.4.1, according to Apple's support website, fixes a vulnerability in Apple AVD that might allow an application to run arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Apple says it is "aware of a report that the issue may have been actively exploited"—in other words, attackers are actively using the flaw to attack iPhones in real-world circumstances.
According to security researcher Sean Wright, the impact of the vulnerability addressed in iOS 15.4.1 is "as bad as they come." "Anything having kernel privileges that can execute commands allows an attacker to take complete control of the device."
An unknown researcher reported the bug, which was patched in the iOS 15.4.1 emergency release, as CVE-2022-22675. It was released just two weeks ago, and it included a number of security improvements as well as some key new security and privacy features. The ability to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask was one of the most popular iOS 15.4 features.
Apple's iOS 15.4.1 also includes a remedy for a battery depletion issue that many users have been experiencing after upgrading to iOS 15.4. It's not a security issue, but for the many iPhone owners who are experiencing this issue, running out of battery is also an emergency.
Apple also released macOS Monterey 12.3.1, which addressed two Mac security concerns in Apple AVD and the Intel Graphics Driver.
Why should you update your iPhone to iOS 15.4.1 right now?
There's no doubt that the problem is significant, which is why you should upgrade your iPhone as soon as possible. What we don't know is how extensively the iOS 15.4.1 bug is being exploited—or whether it's a targeted attack on a specific demographic. This information may become available in the future weeks or months, but for the time being, everyone should update to iOS 15.4.1 as soon as possible.
Another incentive to switch to iOS 15.4.1 is that Apple was patching phones running iOS 14 with critical security fixes. This hasn't been the case for the last few updates, so if you don't update your iPhone, you're leaving it vulnerable to assault. This is made worse when the flaw is exploited, which is the case with iOS 15.4.1.
Furthermore, according to Wright, be cautious about the apps you install and only do so if you intend to use them. "Pay attention to user reviews and permissions when evaluating the app's legitimacy." A flashlight app, for example, shouldn't need permission to view your contacts."
Because Apple doesn't push automatic updates to iPhones right away, you'll have to manually update to iOS 15.4.1. You know what to do: as soon as you have a chance, go to Settings > General > Software Update and update to iOS 15.4.1 to keep your iPhone safe.
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