Apple announced the discovery of a serious security vulnerability affecting its devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The company warned users to immediately update their devices to the latest version. It was stated that the vulnerability allows cyberattackers to take complete control of a device simply by using a specially crafted image.

Update your iPhone, Mac, and iPad

Apple stated that the security vulnerability lies in the company’s “ImageIO” framework, the company’s image processing unit. According to reports, when a malicious photo file sent by the attackers is opened, a buffer overflow occurs. This allows the attacker to remotely execute code on the device. Most worryingly, the vulnerability doesn’t require the user to take any additional steps or download any applications.

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that this vulnerability poses a significant threat, particularly to those using cryptocurrency wallets. It emphasizes that attackers can obtain private keys, wallet information, and recovery passwords stored on the devices. Furthermore, it is stated that this could lead to irreversible financial losses.

Apple officials stated that the released iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates contain critical security patches. They advised all users to update their devices immediately by going to Settings > General > Software Update.