Useafterfree in Apple iOS 17/iPadOS kernel arbitrary code exec
CVE-2023-41974 Published on January 10, 2024
A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Known Exploited Vulnerability
This Apple iOS and iPadOS Use-After-Free Vulnerability is part of CISA's list of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities. Apple iOS and iPadOS contain a use-after-free vulnerability. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
The following remediation steps are recommended / required by March 26, 2026: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2023-41974 is exploitable with local system access, requires user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. This vulnerability is known to be actively exploited by threat actors. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is a Dangling pointer Vulnerability?
Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code.
CVE-2023-41974 has been classified to as a Dangling pointer vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2023-41974
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Affected Versions
Apple iOS and iPadOS:- Version unspecified and below 17 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.