Apple issues urgent warning to all iPhone users over emergency security update after targeted attack
Topics: Apple, Technology, iPhone, News
Lucy Devine
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/NurPhoto
Topics: Apple, Technology, iPhone, News
Apple has issued a warning to all iPhone users over an emergency security update.
The tech giant has released emergency security updates to fix two vulnerabilities that have been exploited in attacks.
The vulnerabilities impact WebKit, which is the browser engine behind Apple’s Safari and other browsers used on iOS.
Apple has described the concerning issue as an 'extremely sophisticated attack' aimed at specific individuals, but has not elaborated further.
Advert
In a release, Apple said: “For our customers’ protection, Apple doesn’t disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available.”
The two vulnerabilities are CVE-2025-43529 and CVE-2025-14174, with Apple confirming that the attacks took place on versions of iOS released prior to iOS 26.
CVE-2025-43529, which is a 'use-after-free' vulnerability, is a memory issue that allows malicious attackers to trick the internet browser.
Meanwhile, the second, CVE-2025-14174, uses memory corruption to compromise the device.
Apple has explained that both vulnerabilities were discovered by themselves and Google's Threat Analysis Group.
Impacted devices include the iPhone 11 as well as newer models, several generations of the iPad Pro, the iPad Air from the third generation and upwards, the iPad (eighth generation and up) and the iPad Mini (fifth generation and up).
According to the New York Post, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure your device is as secure as possible.
These include installing updates as soon as they're available to avoid attackers being able to target those who are using old software.
Make sure you enable automatic updates so that you don't need to remember to install them.
Meanwhile, with malicious threats becoming more sophisticated, it's important to be extra careful over links, even if you know the person sending them.
You can also opt for a 'lockdown mode', which increases the security defenses on your iPhone and blocks certain functions.
In a report by ZDNET, Ivan Krstić, who is Apple’s head of security engineering and architecture, spoke about the benefits of lockdown mode.
He explained: “While the vast majority of users will never be the victims of highly targeted cyberattacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who are.
“That includes continuing to design defenses specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations around the world doing critically important work in exposing mercenary companies that create these digital attacks.”