MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1 Security Update Released for Mac to Patch Image File Exploit
Apple has issued macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 as a security update for Mac users running the Sequoia operating system. Apple says the update contains “important security fixes” and is therefore recommended for all users.
The particular exploit that has been patched pertains to malicious image files, and given that a huge number of people regularly encounter image files and share things like memes and funny pictures that are found online, it’s a good idea to install these updates as soon as you can on your Apple devices. While it’s unlikely that you have been impacted by this particular exploit, it’s still good practice to install these type of security updates onto your devices right away.
The same security patches are also available for other MacOS versions including MacOS Sonoma 14.7.8 and macOS Ventura 13.7.8, along with iPhone and iPad versioned as iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2.
How to Download & Install MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1 Security Update
Backup your Mac with Time Machine before beginning the system software update:
- From the  Apple menu, choose “System Settings”
- Select “General”, and then choose “Software Update”
- Choose to “Update Now” for “macOS Sequoia 15.6.1” to download and install the security update on your Mac
Despite being a small security patch, the update itself is around 1.6gb on the Mac. The Mac also must restart ot finish installation.
If your Mac is running MacOS Sonoma or MacOS Ventura, security updates for those system software versions will be available instead.
Direct Download Links for macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 Installer & IPSW File
Apple offers a full installer as well as IPSW firmware file for MacOS Sequoia 15.6 as well. These can be useful for making virtual machines, bootable install drives, archives, updating several Macs with a single download, restoring a Mac, and more.
- MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1 InstallAssistant.pkg
- MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1 IPSW – UniversalMac_15.6.1_24G90_Restore.ipsw
Direct Download Links for macOS Sonoma 14.7.8 & MacOS Ventura 13.7.8 Installers
MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1 Release Notes
Release notes for MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1 are quite brief:
This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100
The security notes for the update are more specific about the exploit which has been patched:
Processing a malicious image file may result in memory corruption. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.
Don’t forget to update your other Apple devices as well to be fully protected, particularly if you share or receive any images discovered online.
