Advanced cyber threat prompts millions to update devices
- Replies 3
Apple has issued a recent advisory urging users to ensure their devices are up to date, following the discovery of a critical issue affecting some iPhones and iPads.
The update is intended to address a highly complex threat that could compromise user data under certain conditions.
While many users may already have the latest protections in place through automatic updates, others are encouraged to check their settings and install the latest version manually to maintain security.
The range of devices this security threat affects is extensive, including both older and newer models.
The list includes the iPhone XS and later, various iPad Pro models, the iPad Air 3rd generation and later, the iPad 7th generation and later, the iPad mini 5th generation and later, macos Sequoia, Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K (all models), and Apple Vision Pro.
Apple and the Google Threat Analysis team identified the vulnerabilities, known as zero-day flaws.
These are particularly dangerous because they are unknown to the software vendor at the time of discovery, leaving no existing patch to correct the issue.
Hackers can exploit these weaknesses before a fix is made available.
One of the zero-day flaws, CVE-2025-31200, was found in CoreAudio, a fundamental program in Apple's operating systems that manages audio processing.
This flaw could be exploited by a maliciously crafted media file, allowing hackers to execute remote code on the device.
A hacker could send a corrupted audio file, such as a fake MP3, to an Apple device.
When the device attempts to play or open it, the file could execute hidden instructions that give the hacker control over the iPhone, potentially leading to data theft.
The second zero-day flaw, CVE-2025-31201, was discovered in an RPAC program.
This vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass Pointer Authentication (PAC), a security feature designed to protect against memory vulnerabilities.
Without the latest security updates, hackers could insert malicious code into an iPhone, iPad, or Mac through this flaw, potentially resulting in unauthorised access to the device and personal data.
Since the start of 2025, Apple has identified five different zero-day flaws, all of which have been addressed with security updates.
Cybersecurity experts emphasise the importance of keeping your device's software up to date as one of the most effective ways to safeguard against hackers.
Regularly checking for the latest patches or enabling automatic updates can significantly enhance your device's security.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of staying connected and secure in the digital age.
We urge you to take a moment to ensure your Apple devices are updated with the latest security patches.
If you're unsure how to update your device or set up automatic updates, don't hesitate to ask a family member or friend for assistance or visit an Apple Store.
Have you updated your iPhone or other Apple devices recently? Share your experiences and tips for staying secure in the comments below.
The update is intended to address a highly complex threat that could compromise user data under certain conditions.
While many users may already have the latest protections in place through automatic updates, others are encouraged to check their settings and install the latest version manually to maintain security.
The range of devices this security threat affects is extensive, including both older and newer models.
The list includes the iPhone XS and later, various iPad Pro models, the iPad Air 3rd generation and later, the iPad 7th generation and later, the iPad mini 5th generation and later, macos Sequoia, Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K (all models), and Apple Vision Pro.
Users were urged to update devices after a highly sophisticated attack was detected. Credit: Pexels
Apple and the Google Threat Analysis team identified the vulnerabilities, known as zero-day flaws.
These are particularly dangerous because they are unknown to the software vendor at the time of discovery, leaving no existing patch to correct the issue.
Hackers can exploit these weaknesses before a fix is made available.
One of the zero-day flaws, CVE-2025-31200, was found in CoreAudio, a fundamental program in Apple's operating systems that manages audio processing.
This flaw could be exploited by a maliciously crafted media file, allowing hackers to execute remote code on the device.
A hacker could send a corrupted audio file, such as a fake MP3, to an Apple device.
When the device attempts to play or open it, the file could execute hidden instructions that give the hacker control over the iPhone, potentially leading to data theft.
The second zero-day flaw, CVE-2025-31201, was discovered in an RPAC program.
This vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass Pointer Authentication (PAC), a security feature designed to protect against memory vulnerabilities.
Without the latest security updates, hackers could insert malicious code into an iPhone, iPad, or Mac through this flaw, potentially resulting in unauthorised access to the device and personal data.
Since the start of 2025, Apple has identified five different zero-day flaws, all of which have been addressed with security updates.
Cybersecurity experts emphasise the importance of keeping your device's software up to date as one of the most effective ways to safeguard against hackers.
Regularly checking for the latest patches or enabling automatic updates can significantly enhance your device's security.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of staying connected and secure in the digital age.
We urge you to take a moment to ensure your Apple devices are updated with the latest security patches.
If you're unsure how to update your device or set up automatic updates, don't hesitate to ask a family member or friend for assistance or visit an Apple Store.
.png){kind=icon}
