Apple releases iOS, iPadOS 14.4.2 with critical security patch

Apple has rolled out a new iOS 14.4.2, iPadOS 14.4.2 to iPhones and iPads. All Apple device owners are advised to download the software update, as it comes with a critical security patch.

It has come to light that the web browsers on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, which run on Apple's Webkit tool had a security loophole and might have exploited by bad actors on some unknown users.

The vulnerability tagged as CVE-2021-1879 was discovered by Clement Lecigne and Billy Leonard of Google Threat Analysis Group.

"Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross-site scripting. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited. This issue was addressed by improved management of object lifetimes." --reads Apple security support page

Now, the company has issued advisory urging device owners to upgrade to the latest iOS/iPadPOS 14.4.2 immediately. It is available for iPhone 6s and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation).

Apple iOS 14.4.2 update released. Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit

Here's how to install the new iOS/iPadOS 14.4.2 update on your iPhones/iPod Touch/iPads

Via OTA (Over-The-Air)
Prerequisite: Users' who want to install the update directly onto the device through OTA, make sure there is enough storage space and the device should have more than 50% battery life, before initiating the download of the new iOS update.

Step 1: Settings >> General >> Software update

Via manual installation through Apple iTunes
Prerequisite: Make sure to back up your iPhone/iPad with either iCloud or via iTunes before initiating the download procedure. Also, your PC must have the latest version of the iTunes app. If not, Go to About and then Check for Updates or visit iTunes.com.

Step 1: Launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.
Step 2: Insert your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it isn't already.
Step 3: Tap on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in the top left navigation.
Step 4: Tap on the Check for Update button in the first section that contains information about your device and alternately you can click restore instead if you'd like to do a clean wipe with updated software.
Step 5: An update should be recognized, click on Download and Update in the popup menu and agree to the terms or conditions.
Step 6: Unlock your device with your passcode if prompted in order to continue with the upgrade.

Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.