Cyber Crime
Urgent Update: Apple Patches Critical macOS Vulnerabilities Exploited by Hackers—Act Now to Stay Safe!
Apple has issued a crucial security update addressing two zero-day vulnerabilities that have been actively exploited in the wild. The update, known as macOS Sequoia 15.11, is now available for all Mac and MacBook users. Apple urges users to install it promptly to secure their devices.
About the Vulnerabilities
The security flaws, identified as CVE-2024-44308 and CVE-2024-44309, were discovered by Google’s Threat Analysis Group. These vulnerabilities target key components of macOS:
- JavaScriptCore Vulnerability
– Exploited through malicious web content, this flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the system, posing a severe risk to user data and system integrity. - WebKit Vulnerability
This bug facilitates cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, enabling hackers to run malicious code on a user’s device by tricking them into visiting legitimate websites. These attacks can be used to steal sensitive information such as cookies, session tokens, and personal data, as well as to manipulate website content.
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These vulnerabilities predominantly affect Intel-based Macs and have been actively exploited in targeted attacks.
How to Stay Safe
Apple has emphasized the importance of updating to the latest macOS version to mitigate these risks. Follow these steps to install the update:
1. Open the Apple Menu at the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the sidebar, choose General Settings.
4. Click on Software Update on the right-hand side.
5. Select Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password to proceed.
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Why This Update Matters
These vulnerabilities represent a significant threat, as attackers can exploit them to compromise system security and user privacy. By installing the macOS Sequoia 15.11 update, users can protect their devices from these critical flaws and ensure their data remains secure.
Apple acknowledged the active exploitation of these vulnerabilities on Intel-based Macs, underscoring the urgency of applying the patch. Stay vigilant and keep your system updated to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.