Apple Issues Security Updates to Block Coruna Exploit on Unsupported Devices
Apple says iOS 16.7.15/15.8.7 and iPadOS 16.7.15/15.8.7 updates fix Coruna, a multi‑stage exploit chain targeting older devices. The patches back‑port key kernel and WebKit fixes to protect models that can’t run iOS 17.
Apple has confirmed that its emergency iOS and iPadOS updates released last week for older devices specifically patch the Coruna exploit — a sophisticated attack chain disclosed last week by Google and iVerify. The updates back‑port kernel and WebKit security fixes that newer iOS versions already received, ensuring vulnerable devices that cannot upgrade to iOS 17 are protected.
Coruna is a complex exploit chain using five full iOS exploit chains and 23 vulnerabilities, which targets older iPhones and iPads running iOS 13 through 17.2.1.
Apple pushed four updates:
- iOS 16.7.15
- iOS 15.8.7
- iPadOS 16.7.15
- iPadOS 15.8.7
Initially described only as “important security fixes,” Apple has now confirmed these updates directly address Coruna. These updates are for devices unable to update to the latest iOS, including:
- iPhone 6s, 7, SE (1st gen)
- iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4
- iPod touch (7th gen)
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X
- iPad 5th gen, iPad Pro 9.7”, iPad Pro 12.9” (1st gen)
Why does this update matter?
Apple’s latest iOS and iPadOS updates for older devices patch critical kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities that powered the Coruna exploit chain, a multi‑stage attack capable of executing code through malicious web content. By back‑porting these fixes to devices that can’t run iOS 17, Apple closes major security gaps and protects millions of legacy iPhones and iPads that would otherwise remain exposed to active threats.
More articles on the Coruna exploit:
- Google reveals another exploit chain affecting outdated iPhones - 9To5Mac
- Latest iOS 15 & iOS 16 updates target Coruna exploit affecting older devices - AppleInsider
- This article discusses Darksword, impacting a similar generation of legacy devices, though affecting a narrower OS range: Google reveals another exploit chain affecting outdated iPhone - 9To5Mac
- Read more about Apple security releases here.
