Apple has deployed an urgent software update, iOS 18.4.1, in response to two high -risk security vulnerabilities currently operated in real cyberattacks. The company strongly advises all iPhone users to immediately install the update to secure their devices against possible data violations.
Vulnerabilities, identified as part of Coreaudio and the pointer authentication mechanism, posed serious risks by potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
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Targeted attacks via audio files
Apple revealed that one of the problems, located in the Coreaudio system, was used in a very complex and targeted attack. According to the company, malicious audio files could trigger the execution of the code when treated, targeting specific individuals such as government representatives and journalists.
“This update provides critical security fixes and solves a rare problem with an impact on wireless connectivity in selected vehicles,” said Apple. The company has recognized the information according to which this flaw had already been used in real attacks.
The pointer authentication feat is also fixed
The second vulnerability concerned the Apple’s return pointer’s authentication code system (RPAC), a safety measure intended to protect against manipulation of memory. Cyberataters would have found a way to get around this protection, gaining the ability to read and write data on compromise devices.
This defect has affected several Apple products beyond iPhones, including iPads, MacBooks, Apple TVs and Vision Pro devices. The new update resolves vulnerability and strengthens the safety infrastructure through Apple ecosystem.
Safety correction on Apple devices
In addition to iOS, Apple has published fixes on several other platforms to respond to identical or related vulnerabilities:
- iPados 18.4.1: Includes similar critical correctives to protect users of the iPad.
- MacOS Sequoia 15.4.1: provides the necessary updates to avoid potential violations on Mac devices.
- TVOS 18.4.1 and Visionos 2.4.1: Provide corresponding safety improvements for Apple TV and Vision Pro products.
Given the nature of these actively exploited vulnerabilities, Apple stressed the importance of updating the devices as soon as possible.
