Apple has issued urgent security updates across its entire product ecosystem, fixing nearly 50 vulnerabilities that posed serious risks such as data theft, device hijacking, and privacy breaches. The updates impact iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, Safari, and Xcode, covering key operating systems including iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 15.7.2.
Among the most concerning issues were a permissions flaw (CVE-2025-43442) that allowed apps to identify other installed applications — potentially enabling targeted phishing and social engineering attacks — and a privacy vulnerability (CVE-2025-43455) that could let malicious apps capture sensitive on-screen content. Apple also addressed bugs that enabled sandbox escapes, privilege escalation, and bypassing of critical protections such as Gatekeeper and Stolen Device Protection.
The most severe weaknesses were discovered in WebKit and AppleMobileFileIntegrity, which could have allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely via manipulated web pages or image files, compromise data, or destabilize systems.
To mitigate these threats, Apple enhanced privacy enforcement, refined memory management, tightened lock screen protections, and restricted app permissions. The company credited multiple independent researchers for their contributions, underscoring the growing importance of collaboration in cybersecurity.
While Apple has withheld detailed exploit information to prevent misuse, security experts stress that users should install the updates immediately across all devices. Prompt patching is essential to protect against potential exploitation and ensure continued data security and device integrity.
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