The Updates Were Unexpected

ZDNET's key takeaways Apple has released unexpected security patches for the Mac. The patches fix a flaw in the Screen Sharing app. The updates affect MacOS Tahoe, Sonoma, and Sequoia.

Apple has pushed out new updates for MacOS Tahoe, Sonoma, and Sequoia in light of a serious security vulnerability. Also: Why Apple's iOS 26.6 is worth installing (it's not just for the 91 security fixes)Released on Thursday, the updates for all three systems patch a flaw that could allow an attacker to exploit the Screen Sharing feature to access and control your Mac. How to get the updatesThe updates are available in three different versions, depending on which OS you run -- MacOS Tahoe 26.6.1, MacOS Sonoma 14.8.9, and MacOS Sequoia 15.7.9. Also: Older iPhones have an unfixable security flaw - why it can't be patched and the models affectedTo install the update, head to System Settings, select General, and then click Software Update.

Allow the update to appear, and then click the Update Now button to install it. And that certainly seems to be the case. The description on the support pages says that an attacker may be able to authenticate to Screen Sharing without valid credentials.

Also: These two critical Mac security features are off by default - how to turn them on and why you shouldThe ability to remotely connect to another Mac has long been built into MacOS. But the current iteration of the Screen Sharing app was introduced in 2023 with MacOS Sonoma. Using this tool, you're able to access and control another Mac on your network.

But to do this, you must supply a valid username and password. Based on the description of the vulnerability, an attacker could bypass the normally required authentication and gain control of your Mac without your permission or authorization.