Apple has released iOS 15.2.1 for all supported iPhone models as a minor update that fixes a known denial-of-service vulnerability in HomeKit that could cause your device to crash or freeze. The latest iOS update also addresses issues related to Messages and third-party CarPlay apps. Along with the iPhone, the Cupertino company has made iPadOS 15.2.1 available to all eligible iPad users with the same HomeKit-related security fix that can lead to an infinite loop of crashes or freezes.
iOS 15.2.1, iPadOS 15.2.1: What’s New?
According security document related to iOS 15.2.1 and iPadOS 15.2.1, the software brings a fix for the issue where “processing a malicious HomeKit accessory name can cause a denial of service” and result in your device crashing and freezing. The issue was brought to light by security researcher Trevor Spiniolas earlier this month.
The researcher stressed that the bug could affect Apple devices running at least up to iOS 14.7 or iPadOS 14.7. The flaw can be triggered when a HomeKit device with a long name of around 500,000 characters is connected to a vulnerable iPhone or iPad and results in a crash and freeze cycle, Spiniolas said.
At the time, Spiniolas also claimed that Apple had been aware of the issue since August of last year and had promised to fix the vulnerability before 2022. The iPhone maker has now notably credited the researcher in its security document by detailing the vulnerability recorded as CVE -2022. -22588.
In addition to the HomeKit flaw, iOS 15.2.1 comes with a bug fix to address an issue that could cause Messages to not load photos sent using an iCloud link. The update also fixes a bug that could restrict third-party CarPlay apps from not responding to input.
The iPadOS 15.2.1 update also carries the bug fix that caused Messages to not load photos sent using an iCloud link.
How to download iOS 15.2.1, iPadOS 15.2.1
You can download iOS 15.2.1 or iPadOS 15.2.1 on your device by going to settings > In general > Software update. Updates are available for all devices running a recent version of iOS 15 or iPadOS 15.
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