iOS 18.3.2 patches gateway for ‘extremely sophisticated attack’

Apple recently rolled out iOS 18.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 updates with no flashy new features but with a crucial purpose – to protect iPhone and iPad users from a severe security vulnerability that could potentially compromise their data.

The security flaw, which was only partially mitigated in iOS 17.2, is believed to be completely addressed in the latest updates. According to reports from JS, the vulnerability allowed hackers to bypass WebKit’s security restrictions using maliciously crafted web content. This is particularly alarming as WebKit powers Safari and numerous other apps on Apple devices.

Apple has acknowledged the severity of this flaw, stating that it may have been exploited in a highly sophisticated attack targeting users on older versions of iOS and iPadOS. Although Apple has not disclosed the specifics of the attack or its impact, the urgency of this supplementary fix indicates the gravity of the situation.

If you haven’t already updated your device, it is highly recommended to do so immediately. To update your iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.

It’s important to note that updating the OS will also activate Apple Intelligence, but you have the option to disable it if you prefer not to use it.