iOS 13.5.1: Apple Latest Update Fixes jailbreak Vulnerability

For iPhone users, Apple is rolling out iOS 13.5.1 update. This is a follow up to the previous month's iOS 13.5 update that fixes a critical security flaw which could be exploited for an 'Unc0ver jailbreak'.

Soon the latest update will be rolled out to iPhone 6S and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch 7th generation. With the same fixes, Apple has also rolled out an iPadOS 13.5.1 update.

On the support page, Apple has confirmed about the fix for the Unc0ver jailbreak but did not provide the complete details. Please find the notes for the latest update:

Kernel

Available for: iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch 7th generation

Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges

Description: A memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.

CVE-2020-9859: unc0ver

Unc0ver jailbreak

Last month, a hacking team discovered a new tool called "jailbreak" that was allowing iPhone users to download any application, bypassing the so-called Apple's secure "walled garden". Also, the team were able to exploit the flaw to run random apps on iPhones that run iOS 11 and above, which comprised the most recent iOS 13.

Security experts quickly issued a warning to iPhone users over trying to implement the jailbreak as it could have put their phones at risk to several other bugs.

"Jailbreaking your device using this tool is of questionable provenance and downloading it could likely expose users to other malicious activities that could be exploited by an attacker - a risk not worth taking with sensitive personal information at stake. While there are reports that this jailbreak keeps the security mechanisms built into iOS intact, we still advise against jailbreaking an iPhone as it could expose users to unforeseen threats," said Dick Bussiere, Technical Director at Tenable APAC.

How to Update

Follow these simple steps to update your iPhone to the latest iOS 13.5.1:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Select General and tap on the "Software Update."

3. Eligible iPhones will be able to see the new software update.

4. In case you don't see it, check after some time as the roll-out may be in a phased manner.