News + Trends

Apple fixes security vulnerability: Update devices now

Samuel Buchmann
12.7.2023
Translation: machine translated

A vulnerability makes the iPhone, iPad and Mac susceptible to hacker attacks. Apple withdrew an update within hours, but has now released a new patch.

Update 13 July 2023: Since Wednesday evening, security measure 16.5.1 (c) has been available for iOS and iPadOS, which fixes the vulnerability and no longer causes errors. The corresponding patch 13.4.1 (c) is also available for MacOS. If you have not already done so automatically, you should install the updates as soon as possible.

On Tuesday evening, Apple released an emergency update for iOS, MacOS and iPadOS. It was intended to close a zero-day security vulnerability. Shortly afterwards, the patch was withdrawn because it led to errors. The vulnerability thus remained in place for the time being.

The Update 16.5.1 (a) was a Rapid Security Response (RSR) - a measure outside of the usual update cycles. It was intended to eliminate a vulnerability in Apple's Webkit browser engine with the designation CVE-2023-37450. This vulnerability allowed attackers to remotely execute code if you visit a malicious page on Safari. According to Apple, the vulnerability has already been exploited. For example, hackers could install malware or read private data from your device.

Caution until the new update

Because the patch led to errors on websites and apps such as Facebook and Instagram, Apple withdrew it after a few hours. Updates that had already been installed could be cancelled in the system settings.

In the notification, Apple announced a new update 16.5.1 (b) as soon as possible. Until then, users should exercise particular caution when surfing with Safari on all devices. What applies anyway was particularly important: never click on a dodgy link, especially not in emails with an unknown sender.

The vulnerability is the second in a short space of time. A fortnight ago, the iPhone manufacturer released an update that fixed a vulnerability for so-called one-click attacks:

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Cover photo: Samuel Buchmann

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My fingerprint often changes so drastically that my MacBook doesn't recognise it anymore. The reason? If I'm not clinging to a monitor or camera, I'm probably clinging to a rockface by the tips of my fingers.


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