Apple has patched a dangerous vulnerability in its various Magic Keyboard models that could let an attacker obtain Bluetooth pairing keys and fake keystrokes.
The updated firmware released on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, with the iPhone maker detailing the security contents of the update in a dedicated support document.
It fixes a vulnerability that allows an attacker to extract the keyboard’s Bluetooth pairing key, which in turn could let them clone your keyboard connection to enter keystrokes at will without any confirmation required on your part.
Apple releases a patch for a significant Bluetooth vulnerability in its Magic Keyboards
Fortunately, such attacks cannot be carried out remotely because an attacker must have physical access to your keyboard to exploit this vulnerability.
Although this bug permits an attacker to do things like launching apps, downloading files and reading messages by faking keyboard shortcuts that invoke those actions, they cannot read your passwords or authenticate with Touch ID.
The Magic Keyboard Firmware Update 2.0.6, which includes a patch for the aforementioned vulnerability, is available for these Apple keyboard models:
- Original Magic Keyboard
- Magic Keyboard (2021)
- Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad
Apple has fixed the issue with improved checks, crediting security researcher Marc Newlin with disclosing the vulnerability to it and Google in August 2023.
How to install a Magic Keyboard firmware
No user action is required to get the firmware. Instead, Magic Keyboard firmwares are quietly and automatically downloaded and installed in the background while your keyboard is paired with an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV and active.
To check the firmware version of your Magic Keyboard, venture into System Settings > Bluetooth on your Mac and click the ⓘ (Info) button next to your listed keyboard. If your installed firmware version is 2.0.6, you’re up to date.
Bluetooth issues in macOS?
Are you experiencing Bluetooth issues on your Mac? If so, we can help—iDB offers a bunch of potential fixes for when your wireless Bluetooth keyboard is acting up.
Separately, we offer troubleshooting solutions to fix a laggy Mac mouse. Some of the problems with Bluetooth connectivity that you may encounter in macOS can be easily fixed by resetting your Mac’s Bluetooth module.