Apple has released iOS 18.4.1, bringing a few bug fixes for iPhone users, including resolving an issue with the CarPlay automotive platform.
The update which is available to download now “addresses a rare issue that prevents wireless CarPlay connection in certain vehicles” the release notes say.
If you’ve been struggling to access your favourite tunes and Maps wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection, installing this update should clear things up somewhat. Those struggling with the wireless connectivity could still use a USB connection, but it’s great that wireless connectivity has been fully restored for users with compatible vehicles.
Perhaps more seriously, in iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1 Apple has addressed another concerning security vulnerability it believes has been exploited in the wild.
In a support document, the company referred to “an extremely sophisticated attack” and said it was aware of a report that the vulnerability had been used “against specific targeted individuals.”
Apple described the separate bugs as CoreAudio and RPAC uses.
In the case of the former Apple said: “Processing an audio stream in a maliciously crafted media file may result in code execution.” In the case of the latter: “An attacker with arbitrary read and write capability may be able to bypass Pointer Authentication.”
Opinion
These exploited security vulnerabilities seem to be getting more common, which is worrying. However, it’s also possible Apple and its bug spotters are simply doing a better job of detecting them out in the wild.
