After Google patched its first zero-day flaw of the year, Apple released a security update to address a serious vulnerability affecting iPhones, Macs, and even Apple TV.

As reported by BleepingComputer, Cupertino's first zero-day flaw of 2024 (tracked as CVE-2024-23222) is a WebKit disruption issue. This problem only occurs when an attacker tricks an unsuspecting iPhone or Mac user into opening a malicious site on the device.

In a security notice on its site, Apple explains that it is "aware of reports that this issue may have been exploited" by attackers. Surprisingly, however, the company has not yet announced that it was a specific security researcher who discovered this new zero-day.

Fortunately, Apple has improved its checks and fixed this flaw in iOS 16.7.5 and later, iPadOS 16.7.5 and later, macOS Monterey 12.7.3 and later, and tvOS 17.3 and later. Owners of affected devices should install these new security updates as soon as possible to avoid falling victim to attacks that exploit this vulnerability.

The list of devices affected by this zero-day is quite extensive, as WebKit is Apple's proprietary browser engine that powers Safari, Mail, App Store, and many other macOS and iOS apps. [For example, the best iPhones since the iPhone XS are vulnerable, as are the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, iPad mini 5th generation and later There are. As for the best MacBooks and other Apple computers, Macs running macOS Monterey or later are affected, as are all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models.

As with previous Apple zero-day exploits, the vulnerabilities are likely to be used only in targeted attacks against high-profile individuals such as politicians, journalists, and business executives. Nevertheless, vulnerabilities such as this one could also be used against the general public, so Apple devices should be updated as soon as possible.

When it comes to keeping Apple devices protected, the first and most important thing to do is to install new updates as they become available; in addition to exciting new features like Stolen Device Protection, these updates also include important security fixes.

Macs come with Apple's own antivirus software called XProtect, but you should also consider using the best Mac antivirus software with them for additional protection. limitations regarding malware scanning, there is no equivalent to the best Android antivirus app for iOS. However, Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 and Intego Mac Internet Security X9 can scan for malware on iPhones and iPads connected to a Mac via USB cable.

Given Apple's willingness to work with security researchers from all sorts of different companies (including Google) to find flaws in their products, this probably won't be the last zero-day vulnerability Apple will patch this year. In fact, last year Apple patched a total of 20 zero-day vulnerabilities.