There are new security updates available for iPadOS and iOS that protect users from vulnerabilities discovered in iOS and iPadOS. The vulnerability, designated CVE-2022-42827 in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures register, was reported by an anonymous researcher. Apple says it may have been actively exploited and can be used by an attacker to remote run program code without the user’s consent.
According to SANS, Apple has patched this and a number of other detected vulnerabilities across a number of its operating systems and platforms. CVE-2022-42827 affects iPadS, iOS, macOS Ventura, tvOS and watchOS.
While the likelihood that you have been specifically attacked may be low, the report of a vulnerability like this, that has reportedly been exploited, can embolden attackers. When a new vulnerability is announced this way, through the release of a patch to fix the problem, it’s a signal for attackers that there will be many people who are slow to update their systems or who simply neglect to take updates regularly.
This is why I always update my systems promptly and have automatic updates enabled to minimise the risk to my devices.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.