macOS 13.2 arrives with a sharp eye on security

Ahead of the new Macs arriving in stores on Tuesday, Apple has released macOS Ventura 13.2. Along with some two dozen security updates, it contains several new features and fixes.

Most notably, macOS Ventura 13.2 brings support for physical FIDO-certified security keys that were announced as part of the Advanced Data Protection for iCloud that arrived in 13.1. You’ll find it inside your ‌Apple ID settings under a new‌ Security Keys tab. Additionally, the release brings Advanced Data Protection to users outside the U.S. for the first time.

Apple also used the 13.2 beta to push the first Rapid Security Response updates to the Mac, which will allow Apple to push smaller, targeted releases are for security updates that arrive between full OS updates on Macs, iPhones, and iPads. It’s unclear whether Apple will utilize the new update method between now and the next 13.3 update.

Speaking of security, the 13.2 update includes 22 security updates, including several critical 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 macOS Ventura 13.2 update

To install the update, follow these instructions:

1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Select General in the left sidebar.
3. Select Software Update in the main section of the window.
4. 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.