Apple Says Recently Discovered iOS Mail Vulnerabilities Pose No Immediate Threat, But a Patch Is in the Works

Apple has responded to a recent report on vulnerabilities discovered in its iOS Mail app, claiming the issues do not pose an immediate risk to users.

mail ios app icon
Earlier this week, San Francisco-based cybersecurity company ZecOps said it had uncovered two zero-day security vulnerabilities affecting Apple's stock Mail app for iPhones and iPads.

One of the vulnerabilities was said to enable an attacker to remotely infect an iOS device by sending emails that consume a large amount of memory. Another could allow remote code execution capabilities. Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities could potentially allow an attacker to leak, modify, or delete a user's emails, claimed ZecOps.

However, Apple has downplayed the severity of the issues in the following statement, which was given to several media outlets.

"Apple takes all reports of security threats seriously. We have thoroughly investigated the researcher's report and, based on the information provided, have concluded these issues do not pose an immediate risk to our users. The researcher identified three issues in Mail, but alone they are insufficient to bypass iPhone and iPad security protections, and we have found no evidence they were used against customers. These potential issues will be addressed in a software update soon. We value our collaboration with security researchers to help keep our users safe and will be crediting the researcher for their assistance."

The vulnerabilities are said to impact all software versions between iOS 6 and iOS 13.4.1. ZecOps said that Apple has patched the vulnerabilities in the latest beta of iOS 13.4.5, which should be publicly released within the coming weeks. Until then, ZecOps recommends using a third-party email app like Gmail or Outlook, which are apparently not impacted.

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
iphone 16 apple intelligence

Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory

Wednesday February 18, 2026 12:43 pm PST by
Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product. The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...
CarPlay Liquid Glass Dark

iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:29 am PST by
Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability. There are several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the iOS 26.4 beta's source code. The feature is not yet visible to users, but...
iphone 17 pro green

iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:13 am PST by
New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone. According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell...
Multicolored Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature

Low-Cost MacBook Expected on March 4 in These Colors

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple will announce its rumored low-cost MacBook at its event on March 4, with the device coming in a selection of bold color options, according to a known leaker. Earlier this week, Apple announced a "special Apple Experience" for the media in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Posting on Weibo, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that the...

Top Rated Comments

miniyou64 Avatar
76 months ago
The bugs in Mail are still immediately extremely annoying
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
otternonsense Avatar
76 months ago
I'm pretty sure Apple will have prioritised some irrelevant pleasantry like Memoji barf physics in iOS 14 than getting Mail, FaceTime or personal hotspot straightened out.

As for this patch.. not holding my breath it will be the last one.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
76 months ago
I raised this issue on Apple Community yesterday after reading articles on both the BBC and Guardian web sites.

within 20minutes I received an email from apple stating .....We removed your post "iOS 13.4.1 mail vulnerability" because it was speculative.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
76 months ago

I'm pretty sure Apple will have prioritised some irrelevant pleasantry like Memoji barf physics in iOS 14 than getting Mail, FaceTime or personal hotspot straightened out.
What makes you think the same people would work on these things? There's one graphics designer who creates new emojis who is very good and drawing emojis but doesn't have the slightest clue how to fix bugs in Mail.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
otternonsense Avatar
76 months ago

Yeah, it's good we actually receive patches and updates, no?
Of course it's good. The amount of patches we are receiving though, addressing issues evidenced by third parties and made public, doesn't inspire a lot of trust in Apple's own iOS and macOS QA for proactive bug fixing. At least they're pushing those patches relatively fast.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
76 months ago

Of course it's good. The amount of patches we are receiving though, addressing issues evidenced by third parties and made public, doesn't inspire a lot of trust in Apple's own iOS and macOS QA for proactive bug fixing. At least they're pushing those patches relatively fast.
I‘d rather nitpick about the amount of patches we are receiving than having security problems without a patch in sight. It‘s the lesser evil, really.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)