Apple released macOS Ventura 13.3.1 on Friday nearly two weeks after 13.3 — two weeks filled with user complaints about issues caused by 13.3. According to the 13.3.1 release notes, the update includes bug fixes and security updates. The notes specifically address two fixes, namely:
- Pushing hands emoji doesn’t show skin tone variations
- Auto-unlocking your Mac with Apple Watch may not work
It’s unclear whether the update fixes three issues users are experiencing: Universal Control and Handoff not working, Quick Look not working, and an issue with home directories saved to an external storage device.
Apple’s Security Updates website details the following security patches:
IOSurfaceAccelerator
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
- Description: An out-of-bounds write issue has been resolved with better input validation.
- CVE-2023-28206: Clément Lecigne from Google’s Threat Analysis Group and Donncha Ó Cearbhaill from Amnesty International’s Security Lab
Webkit
- Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to the execution of arbitrary code. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
- Description: A post-free usage issue has been addressed with better memory management.
- WebKit bugs: 254797
- CVE-2023-28205: Clement Lecigne of Google’s Threat
- Analysis Group and Donncha Ó Cearbhaill from the Amnesty International Security Lab
macOS Ventura 13.3.1: how to install
- 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 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.
