External risk intelligence

Safari and iOS WebKit Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-28205

A vulnerability in Apple's Safari, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing malicious web content. This may impact systems and data. Apple is aware of reports that this issue may have been actively exploited, posing a business risk.

3Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Apple Safari

before 16.4.1before 15.7.516.0 to before 16.4.1before 13.3.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-28205

This vulnerability affects web browsers and OS components that process web content. While accessible via the internet, it is a client-side issue rather than a server-side service. Exposure depends on a user navigating to malicious content, making it reachable from the public internet but not equivalent to an internet-facing server service.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in Apple's Safari browser and operating systems may allow for arbitrary code execution. This flaw exists in components responsible for memory management. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code running on affected devices, potentially impacting data integrity and system functionality.

  • Safari, iPadOS, macOS, iOS
  • Memory management flaw
  • Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The identified vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by tricking an organization's users into interacting with specially crafted web content. This could lead to unauthorized access to systems, modification or theft of data, and disruption of business operations. The initial exposure occurs through an organization's internet-facing web browsers or applications that process web content using WebKit.

  • Exposure condition: Malicious web content is accessible.
  • Attacker starting point: No authentication required.
  • Trigger and result: User interaction leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations due to its potential for arbitrary code execution through maliciously crafted web content. Apple has indicated that this issue may have been actively exploited, highlighting the immediate concern for affected systems. The potential for attackers to gain control of systems necessitates a prompt response to mitigate business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Not specified, but generally requires technical expertise.
  • Required access or conditions: User must visit a malicious website.
  • Business risk or urgency: High, as active exploitation is reported.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution, and there is a report that this issue may have been actively exploited. An organization's systems could be compromised if they process such content, potentially impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This vulnerability carries a high severity rating and requires prompt attention to mitigate business risk.

  • Find affected Apple Safari, iPadOS, iPhone OS, and macOS assets.
  • Reduce exposure by isolating risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-28205 and which Apple products are affected?

CVE-2023-28205 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple's WebKit, impacting Safari, iPadOS, macOS, and iPhone OS. This flaw allows for arbitrary code execution when processing malicious web content.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2023-28205 represent?

This vulnerability is a CWE-416, a use-after-free flaw. It's a memory management error where software attempts to use memory that has already been freed, potentially leading to crashes or code execution.

How is CVE-2023-28205 triggered and what is the scope of impact?

The vulnerability is triggered by processing maliciously crafted web content. Exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution on affected devices.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-28205 in the current threat landscape?

Apple has reported that this issue may have been actively exploited. The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Possible' score due to its web browser and OS component impact.

What steps should be taken to respond to CVE-2023-28205?

Affected Apple products should be updated to the latest versions, such as Safari 16.4.1, iOS 15.7.5, iPadOS 15.7.5, iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS Ventura 13.3.1, to address this vulnerability.

References