Apple Launches Vital iOS 16.6.1 Update Ahead of Wonderlust Event – CNET [CNET]

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The update patches a zero-click, zero-day security issue that might be actively exploited.

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zach-mcauliffe
Zachary McAuliffe Staff writer

Zach began writing for CNET in November, 2021 after writing for a broadcast news station in his hometown, Cincinnati, for five years. You can usually find him reading and drinking coffee or watching a TV series with his wife and their dog.

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Apple released iOS 16.6.1 on Thursday, just days before the tech giant holds its September “Wonderlust” event. While some people might choose to wait until the release of iOS 17 — which might land a few days after Apple’s event — you should really update your iPhone now. The update patches two security vulnerabilities that might be actively exploited, including a zero-day exploit.

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To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts. 

Apple said this iOS update patches two issues that might be actively exploited. 

Update page for iOS 16.6.1
Zach McAuliffe/CNET

One issue is in the Wallet app. Apple said a maliciously crafted attachment could lead to arbitrary code execution. That means a third party could steal your data or hack your device for other nefarious purposes, according to the IT services company Okta

Apple said this issue was found with help from the Citizen Lab at the University of Torontoʼs Munk School. The school called this issue a zero-click, zero-day exploit, and said the exploit was found on the device of a person “employed by a Washington, DC-based civil society organization with international offices…” 

The school also advised everyone to update their devices immediately.

The second issue is in Image I/O, the iOS framework that allows applications to read and write image formats on your iPhone. Apple said that a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution here, as well. 

For more Apple news, here’s what we expect at Apple’s Wonderlust event, the latest iPhone 15 rumors and when Apple is likely to release iOS 17.

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Watch this: What to Expect at Apple’s Sept. 12 Event

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