Apple has unexpectedly released iOS 12.5.5 update for older iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus smartphones and iPad Air and iPad mini tablets

By: Elena Shcherban | 25.09.2021, 10:00

At the other day Apple unexpectedly started distributing updates for older models of smartphones, tablets and iPod player.

Who Updated

So, iOS 12.5.5 firmware is now available for the following devices:

iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPad Air 1st generation
iPad mini 2
iPad mini 3
iPod touch 6th generation

Download the update at Settings - General - Software Update.

Why?

Of course, no new features firmware brings, but it has an equally important function - it fixes vulnerabilities and security issues related to XNU, WebKit and CoreGraphics. For example, a vulnerability for XNU allowed code with kernel privilege to be executed. The WebKit used "maliciously created web content"to execute code. And the CoreGraphics vulnerability worked by processing a malicious PDF file.

In fact, by taking advantage of these pathways, attackers were able to gain administrator rights to your device and take possession of personal data. How actively the vulnerabilities were exploited and how many devices were affected - is unknown.

Source: Slashgear