macOS Monterey 12.3.1 brings Bluetooth and display fixes, crucial security updates

Apple on Thursday released macOS Monterey 12.3.1 with mostly bug fixes and a handful of security updates. Most notably, the update addresses a Bluetooth issue and a display problem with the Mac mini. It also fixes an issue with 2021 MacBook Pro models that were unable to update to macOS 12.3.

Before installing the update, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac first. To update your Mac, head over to System Preferences, then Software Update and click Install Now. The installation will take several minutes.

Apple’s release notes list a few specific fixes along with general improvements:

macOS Monterey 12.3.1 includes bug fixes and security updates for your Mac.This update fixes the following issues: • Some 2021 MacBook Pro models cannot update or restore to macOS Monterey 12.3• USB-C or Thunderbolt external display does not turn on when connected to Mac mini (2018) as a second display• Bluetooth devices, such as game controllers, may disconnect from your Mac after playing audio through some Beats headphones

The security patches are for AppleAVD, which is a media decoder, and the Intel Graphics Driver, both of which may have been exploited in the wild:

AppleAVDAvailable for: macOS MontereyImpact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privilegesDescription: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.CVE-2022-22675: an anonymous researcherIntel Graphics DriverAvailable for: macOS MontereyImpact: An application may be able to read kernel memoryDescription: An out-of-bounds read issue may lead to the disclosure of kernel memory and was addressed with improved input validation. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.CVE-2022-22674: an anonymous researcherApple also release iOS 15.4.1 and iPadOS 15.4.1 today with bug fixes and security updates.