Tech giant Apple has released an iOS 14.4.2 update for anyone and everyone using Apple Watches, iPhone, and or iPad. The update is also applicable for all devices running on the officially supported iOS-12 version. It advises users to upgrade immediately to fix any potential WebKit exploitation.
Explaining the issue with the Webkit
WebKit is Apple’s web browser code. For any browser to work on iPhone, it must use WebKit including Safari, Apple’s own built-in browser.
The issue reportedly has affected the WebKit allowing malicious sites to perform XSS (cross-site scripting) randomly.
XSS bugs could be used by cybercriminals to access private data in online accounts unlawfully.
Cross-Site Scripting usually attacks a specific website and the users of that website. However, Universal XSS can exploit vulnerabilities inside the browser (WebKit in this case) potentially putting all the websites you visit at risk. What makes it so difficult to deal with is that it affects the browser and you need to patch it by yourself.
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What should you do?
You need to have an active internet connection and enough battery. Although the update isn’t a big one it would not take much time to finish. The update will be focused on one thing only that is security.
Just go to the Settings > General > Software Update. It will check if an update is available and then allow you to download it. Further information is available on Apple’s official security pages as well.
