The latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system is out, and iPhone owners are wondering if iOS 15.5 is stable and safe to install. While no significant issues have cropped up lately, some iOS updates have been released with disastrous problems. So, even now, people wonder if the iOS 15.5 update has any issues.
Is it safe to update to iOS 15.5?
Not only is it safe to update to iOS 15.5, but it’s also recommended. It’s a major security update that includes patches for the following vulnerabilities (via the official website):
- AppleAVD
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management.
- AppleGraphicsControl
- Impact: Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution
- Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved input validation.
- AVEVideoEncoder
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking.
- DriverKit
- Impact: A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with system privileges
- Description: An out-of-bounds access issue was addressed with improved bounds checking.
- GPU Drivers
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management.
- Image IO
- Impact: A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution
- Description: An integer overflow issue was addressed with improved input validation.
- IOKit
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: A race condition was addressed with improved locking.
- IOMobileFrameBuffer
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management.
- IOSurfaceAccelerator
- Impact: A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management.
- Kernel x4
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation.
- Launch Services
- Impact: A sandboxed process may be able to circumvent sandbox restrictions
- Description: An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions on third-party applications.
- libxml2
- Impact: A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution
- Description: A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management.
- Notes
- Impact: Processing a large input may lead to a denial of service
- Description: This issue was addressed with improved checks.
- Safari Private Browsing
- Impact: A malicious website may be able to track users in Safari private browsing mode
- Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved state management.
- Security
- Impact: A malicious app may be able to bypass signature validation
- Description: A certificate parsing issue was addressed with improved checks.
- Shortcuts
- Impact: A person with physical access to an iOS device may be able to access photos from the lock screen
- Description: An authorization issue was addressed with improved state management.
- WebKit x3
- Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to code execution
- Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management.
- WebRTC
- Impact: Video self-preview in a webRTC call may be interrupted if the user answers a phone call
- Description: A logic issue in the handling of concurrent media was addressed with improved state handling
- Wi-Fi x4
- Impact: A malicious application may disclose restricted memory
- Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation.
Additionally, updating to iOS 15.5 allows Apple Cash customers to both send and request money from their Apple Cash card. Other than that, there’s a fix for home automation triggers and a setting to limit the amount of Apple Podcasts stored on your device.
All in all, iOS 15.5 isn’t a very exciting update. However, it’s stable, and you should download it for all the security patches it contains.
