Apple has just released iOS 4.3.4 — a minor update for its mobile operating system — and you should go download it if you happen to own an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Why? Because it fixes a pesky PDF-related security vulnerability.
The security vulnerability meant that a user — or a sneaky hacker — could gain ultimate power (root privileges) on an iOS device by opening an infected PDF file using the Safari app.
On one hand, this vulnerability is great for those who wish to jailbreak — or unlock — their own iOS devices using a website called JailbreakMe.com so they can run unauthorized software. But on the other hand, this is a big issue because an individual with devious intentions could trick someone into opening up an infected PDF file and abuse the security vulnerability to access or even steal sensitive data without the iOS device owner's knowledge.
You can get the update by plugging your iOS device into your computer and hitting the "check for updates" button in iTunes. Do note that the 4.3.4 version is intended for the AT&T iPhone 4, the iPhone 3GS, the iPad 2, the iPad as well as third and fourth generation iPod Touch devices. Folks who own a Verizon iPhone 4 will find an update labeled 4.2.9 instead — but it'll offer the same fix.
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- Apple to patch PDF security hole in iOS
- Report: Faster, more powerful iPhone coming in September
- Rumor: Apple is making an 'iPad 2 Plus'
Rosa Golijan writes about tech here and there. She's obsessed with Twitter and loves to be liked on Facebook. Oh, and she can be found on Google+, too.