Apple updates OS X and iOS to squash security bugs

The update contains a fix for a bug that gives attackers unfettered root privileges, a feat that makes it easier to surreptitiously infect Macs with rootkits and other types of persistent malware. Another tweet recommends that users leave SUIDGard installed if they’re running the updated version of OS X, which may allude to another, as-yet unpatched vulnerability.

The OS X 10.10.5 update offers squashing of bugs in the Mail, Photos, and QuickTime Player applications. Both also featured dozens of vulnerability patches.

If you’re a Yosemite user, as opposed to someone who has been publicly testing OS X El Capitan, which will launch this fall, then listen up. Previously, Apple tested the software release with developers and public beta testers. Without further ado, let’s dive right in and see what this update brings to the end user.

If Apple hewed to the same schedule, El Capitan would materialize between September 11 and September 22, or about a month earlier than the last two upgrades. The latest update resolves more than 100 different bugs affecting Bluetooth, QuickTime, the Mac OS X kernel, the Mac’s Notification Center and other features. The update is expected to fix quite a few issues with Apple Music like random appearance of album artwork, trouble with tuning into the iTunes Music library, etc. The new update will also allow the artists to comment on the album or songs via connect.

iOS 8.4.1 can be downloaded over the air from iPhones, iPads, iPad Minis and iPod Touches, or through iTunes.

Apple’s details on the bug fix, which is available for OS X Yosemite versions 10.10 through 10.10.4, said that with the vulnerability, “a local user may be able to execute arbitrary code with system privileges”.