iOS 26.4.2: Apple Issues Unexpected iPhone Update To Block FBI Data Extraction Method
The update also retroactively purges notification copies after Apple said 9to5Mac reports showed some push alerts were retained on-device.
- On Wednesday, Apple released iOS 26.4.2 and related updates to patch a vulnerability where deleted push notifications were unexpectedly retained on iPhones and iPads.
- The update follows reports from 404 Media that the FBI exploited the 'notification database' flaw to recover deleted Signal message previews from a defendant's device.
- Apple addressed the issue through 'improved data redaction' in iOS 26.4.2 and iOS 18.7.8, ensuring deleted notifications are properly purged from device storage.
- Signal CEO Meredith Whitaker praised the patch, while Apple advises users to install updates ASAP to prevent further retention of deleted notification data.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation notes notification privacy remains vulnerable; users can manually restrict message content visibility on the Lock Screen through Signal settings.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Apple patches bug that let FBI access deleted Signal messages
Apple has patched a security vulnerability that allowed the FBI to view deleted content from the encrypted messaging app Signal. In a post to its website on Wednesday, Apple said it had fixed a bug that allowed notifications marked for deletion to be “unexpectedly retained on the device.” The flaw — first revealed by 404 Media earlier this month — allowed the FBI to forensically extract copies of incoming Signal messages from an iPhone even afte…
Deleted messages could be restored using the vulnerability.
The vulnerability discovered by the FBI allowed them to access iPhone news and thus read app messages
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