Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 14.4.2, minor security updates that come close to three weeks after the release of iOS/iPadOS 14.4.1 and more than a month after the iOS/iPadOS 14.4 updates.
The iOS and iPadOS 14.4.2 updates can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. Our iPad Pro 12.9 inch update comes at 197.4 MB in size and our iPhone 12 Pro Max comes at 203.9 MB in size. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Please ensure that your device has at least 50% of charge remaining.
According to Apple’s release notes, the software provides an important security fixes and protect against a zero-day vulnerability and should be installed by all users. A security support document says that the update fixes a vulnerability that was actively exploited. It includes a fix for an issue in WebKit. Webkit is the engine used by iOS browsers.
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross site scripting. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
The report numbered CVE-2021-1879 was filed by Clement Lecigne and Billy Leonard of Google Threat Analysis Group. Apple has fixed the issue by improved management of object lifetimes.
Also, Apple released watchOS 7.3.3 which is available for Apple Watch Series 3 and later. The update size for our Apple Watch series 6 is at 50.9 MB. To install Apple Watch updates, please ensure that your Apple Watch is on its charger, and in range of your iPhone that is connected to WiFi. Also ensure that your Apple Watch has at least 50% charge before updating.
Apple has also released iOS and iPadOS 12.5.2, security updates that are available for older devices and is available for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation).
Apple is currently running the highly anticipated betas for iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4, and macOS Big Sur 11.3 which includes the controversial App Tracking Feature which we expect to launch over the next few weeks.
We have tested the updates and because it was released to fix critical security vulnerabilities that is being exploited by hackers, we recommend installing it to your devices as soon as possible.
