iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 now available for download

Aug 19, 2022 07:35 GMT  ·  By

Apple has released a batch of new security updates for iPhone and iPad, as the company has become aware of vulnerabilities already exploited in the wild.

In a tech support document, the Cupertino-based tech giant explains that iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 are both supposed to resolve security flaws in the kernel and WebKit, with all devices still receiving support now getting the updates.

In other words, the iPhone 6s and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation), all are getting the new operating system updates, and needless to say, everybody is recommended to install them as soon as possible

The two security vulnerabilities

When it comes to the kernel security flaw, Apple warns that it’s already aware of exploits happening in the wild and specifically aimed at this vulnerability.

Detailed in CVE-2022-32894, the vulnerability was reported by an anonymous researcher, Apple says.

“An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited. An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking,” Apple explains.

The second vulnerability affects the WebKit, and Apple says the very same devices are being target. Once again, it looks like the security flaw is already being exploited in the wild.

“Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited. An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking,” Apple notes.

Given the vulnerabilities are already being used by malicious actors to target iPhones and iPads, it goes without saying that users should prioritize the patching and install the new updates as soon as possible.