Apple releases urgent iOS update due to security exploits
Apple discovered security gaps in WebKit, the company's web browser engine
Tech giant Apple has released another update for iOS, just weeks after dropping the landmark 17.1.1.
iOS 17.1.2 was made available to the public on Nov. 30 and aims to patch two possible security exploits documented in 17.1.1.
"This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users," Apple said in the rollout of the new version.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ISSUE WARNINGS AFTER LATEST APPLE IOS RELEASE
Apple rolled out iOS 17.1.2 this week, seeking to patch security exploits discovered in their landmark iOS 17.1.1 release earlier this year. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The company is urging its customers to download the update as soon as possible.
Apple was expected to release iOS 17.2 later this month with new features and minor bug fixes, but security issues proved too pressing.
Security notes were published to accompany the update, noting two fixes for WebKit, Apple's web browser engine.
The new iPhone 15 Pro is displayed during an Apple event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, The iOS 17.1.2 update does not include any new features for users. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The notes state that "processing web content" may "disclose sensitive information" and "may lead to arbitrary code execution."
iOS 17.1.2 can be downloaded via the Software Update function on the iPhone's settings app.
No new features are included in the update.
The Apple Inc. logo at one of the company's stores in Sydney, Australia. Apple is urging its consumers to download the new iOS update promptly due to security issues in its web browser engine WebKit. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are also warning iPhone users about a feature released with iOS 17.1.1 called NameDrop.
"This feature allows you to easily share contact information and photos to another iPhone by simply holding the phones close together," the Longwood Police Department wrote on Facebook. "This feature is defaulted to ‘ON’ which could result in you unknowingly sharing your contact information contact with others."
Fox Business's Pilar Arias contributed to this report.