Apple has released macOS 11.2.1. The minor update fixes a security bug with sudo, which could give root access to hackers. It also fixes an issue that could prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models.
The sudo security flaw received a lot of attention in the press lately, as it was found that the issue was hiding in plain sight for the past 10 years. Sudo is used in macOS, Unix, and Linux operating systems, and allows users to run apps with superuser privileges. With the vulnerability, attackers with access to the system could gain root access through the use of malware or accounts with non-admin access.
macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 release notes
Apple has been quick to respond to the security issue and rolled out a minor update which is around 2.43 GB in size. The company has also released updates to its older macOS versions which contain security fixes.
Here are the release notes from Apple for this update:
macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 addresses an issue that may prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models.
Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.
For more detailed information about this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211896
For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
In terms of security fixes, this update resolves sudo to version 1.9.5p2 which resolves the flaw that could allow a local attacker to elevate their access privileges. For Intel Macs, two security fixes for flaws that could allow apps to run arbitrary code with kernel privileges have also been resolved through updates to Intel Graphics Drivers.
Apple has also released macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update, and macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Security Update 2021-002, with the security fixes for sudo and Intel Graphics Drivers.
macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 compatible Macs
Here is the list of Macs compatible with this update:
- MacBook Air (2013 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (late 2013 and newer)
- MacBook (2015 and newer)
- iMac (2014 and newer)
- iMac Pro (2017 and newer)
- Mac mini (2014 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)
The last update, macOS Big Sur 11.2, also released with bug fixes for Bluetooth reliability, external display connectivity with M1 Macs, iCloud Drive, System Preferences, keyboard globe key, and more.
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