Apple has launched iOS 18.3.2, an working system replace that fixes a vulnerability in WebKit, the browser engine utilized by Safari to render internet pages. The flaw allowed malicious code operating contained in the Internet Content material sandbox, an remoted setting for internet processes designed to restrict safety dangers, to impression different components of the system.
Apple beforehand fastened this vulnerability, CVE-2025-24201, with the discharge of iOS 17.2 again in late 2023, however this launch provides a supplemental patch. Within the launch notes for iOS 18.3.2, Apple acknowledged that the difficulty has been “addressed with improved checks to stop unauthorized actions.” That very same patch has additionally been utilized in iPadOS 18.3.2, macOS Sequoia 15.3.2, visionOS 2.3.2, and Safari 18.3.1.
“Vulnerabilities in WebKit ought to be patched rapidly, as it’s the framework that powers Safari and renders different web-based content material,” Adam Boynton, Senior Safety Technique Supervisor at Apple safety agency Jamf, instructed TechRepublic in an e-mail.
“On this explicit flaw, attackers have been ready to make use of maliciously crafted internet content material to flee the iOS Internet Content material sandbox. Breaking out of a sandbox permits an attacker to entry knowledge in different components of the working system.”
A mysterious delay: Why did Apple take so lengthy?
It isn’t clear why the preliminary repair was not ample or why Apple has solely now launched the replace this week, however the firm does check with “a particularly refined assault in opposition to particular focused people on variations of iOS earlier than iOS 17.2” which can have occurred not too long ago. This means that state-sponsored hackers have been exploiting the vulnerability to surveil high-profile people, resembling authorities officers, journalists, or senior enterprise executives.
SEE: Why is Apple Taking Authorized Motion In opposition to UK’s Authorities?
The truth that this replace comes only a month after iOS 18.3.1 and addresses just one safety concern does point out urgency. Cupertino sometimes withholds detailed details about vulnerabilities within the early levels to offer customers time to replace their gadgets. This technique helps stop attackers from exploiting the flaw earlier than nearly all of customers have secured their programs with the newest replace.
Curiously, iOS 18.3.1 landed simply at some point after Google launched an replace for its Chrome browser on Mac, Home windows, and Linux gadgets which additionally patches CVE-2025-24201. Like Apple, Google described it as an out-of-bounds write concern for the Mac GPU and famous that it had a excessive impression and is conscious that an exploit for it exists within the wild. It was reported to Google by Apple Safety Engineering and Structure on March 5, so it appears Apple has been working by itself patch for a variety of weeks.
Why it’s best to replace your Apple gadgets now
On prime of patching CVE-2025-24201, the Apple replace “addresses a difficulty that will stop playback of some streaming content material.” Some social media customers have additionally reported that the replace masses with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s bespoke synthetic intelligence system, robotically enabled, even when the consumer had beforehand switched it off. That is irritating some customers who don’t want for his or her knowledge to be analysed by the mannequin, however they’re able to swap it off once more.
Regardless of this, it’s really helpful that Apple customers replace their gadgets as quickly as doable, particularly these operating an older working system than iOS 17.2, to stop dangerous actors trying to use the now-publicised vulnerability. It’s accessible for iPhone XS and all newer iPhones, in addition to iPad Professional (11-inch, third gen and later, and 12.9-inch,1st gen and later), iPad Air (third gen and later), iPad (seventh gen and later), and iPad mini (fifth gen and later).
You ought to be prompted in regards to the replace robotically, but when not, you may provoke the obtain manually by going to Settings, Common, after which Software program Replace.
