Apple has published macOS Ventura 13.2 ahead of the new Macs hitting stores on Tuesday. It includes a number of new features and fixes in addition to almost two dozen security updates.
Advance Data Protection
The support for physical FIDO-certified security keys that were announced as part of the Advanced Data Protection for iCloud that debuted in 13.1 is most notable. It is included in macOS Ventura 13.2. It may be found under the Apple ID settings on the new Security Keys tab. Additionally, the release marks the first time that Advanced Data Protection is available to customers outside of the United States.
Additional Updates
Additionally, Apple released the first Rapid Security Response updates for the Mac using the 13.2 beta. This will enable Apple to release more focused, more manageable security updates for Macs, iPhones, and iPads in between full OS updates. Between now and the upcoming 13.3 update, it’s unclear whether Apple will make use of the new update technique.
Speaking of security, the 13.2 release contains 22 security upgrades, several of which are crucial fixes:
DiskArbitration
- Impact: An encrypted volume may be unmounted and remounted by a different user without prompting for the password
- Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved state management.
Kernel
- Impact: An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
- Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
PackageKit
- Impact: An app may be able to gain root privileges
- Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved state management
Safari
- Impact: An app may be able to access a user’s Safari history
- Description: A permissions issue was addressed with improved validation.
Screen Time
- Impact: An app may be able to access information about a user’s contacts
- Description: A privacy issue was addressed with improved private data redaction for log entries.
WebKit
- Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution
- Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
How to install the update for macOS Ventura 13.2
To install the update, follow these instructions:
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Select General in the left sidebar.
- Select Software Update in the main section of the window.
- Your Mac will check online for any available updates. If the update is available, a description will appear. Click on the Update Now button to start the installation. The update will download to your Mac and the installer will run. The Mac will need to restart to complete the installation.
