iOS 15.3: New iPhone And iPad Update Closes Critical Security Gap

Apple has released the third major update for iOS 15. The iOS 15.3 version is now available for download. Among other things, the new update closes a critical security gap. Apple, therefore, recommends that all users install it as soon as possible. On December 13, 2021, Apple released iOS update 15.2, launching new features. In mid-January 2022, the group submitted version 15.2.1 to fix a security vulnerability within the HomeKit application.

IOS 15.3 is followed by the following security update only about two weeks later. However, the latest version does not bring any new functions. But the update fixes some bugs and closes a critical security hole. Apple, therefore, recommends that its users install it as soon as possible.

iOS 15.3 Closes Critical Vulnerability In Safari

IOS update 15.3 closes a critical security hole in Apple’s WebKit. The corresponding browser engine has enabled websites to follow and track users across multiple pages. The vulnerability was first discovered by the US software company Fingerprint. According to the security experts, websites could have accessed certain information from the IndexedDB databases.

Some websites would have gained insights into user behaviour and could even trace their identities. The corresponding database interface regulates the memory access for websites but was not sufficiently secured by Apple.

Since all browsers within iOS have access to Apple’s website, Firefox, and Chrome, for example, were affected in addition to Safari. With the new update, however, the group has now reacted.

The New uUpdate Fixes Numerous Other Bugs

Apple recommends installing iOS 15.3 or iPadOS 15.3 immediately to fix the problem. With Safari 15.3, a new version is also available for the Mac. The group also fixes a few other “minor” bugs with the latest update.

A memory error caused another vulnerability fixed with the new update in the mobile frame buffer. This is the part of memory where, for example, images are temporarily stored to appear on the screen. Due to a vulnerability, hackers could have gained access to the frame buffer and executed malicious code. However, with the new iOS update, Apple has now fixed the memory error.

The group has also fixed several other vulnerabilities or errors within its WebKit. Apple has a detailed list of the changes in iOS 15.3 on its support website. Among other things, the new update closes a critical security gap. Apple, therefore, recommends that all users install it as soon as possible.

Some websites would have gained insights into user behaviour and could even trace their identities. The corresponding database interface regulates the memory access for websites but was not sufficiently secured by Apple. A memory error caused another vulnerability fixed with the new update in the mobile frame buffer. 

This is the part of memory where, for example, images are temporarily stored to appear on the screen. The vulnerability was first discovered by the US software company Fingerprint. According to the security experts, websites could have accessed certain information from the IndexedDB databases. But the update fixes some bugs and closes a critical security hole. Apple, therefore, recommends that its users install it as soon as possible.

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