External risk intelligence

Apple Products Web Content Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-32373

A memory management vulnerability in Apple products may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing malicious web content. This could impact affected organizations by compromising systems and data. Applying vendor updates is recommended to mitigate business risk.

3Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Apple Safari

before 16.5before 15.7.616.0 to before 16.515.0 to before 15.7.6before 13.4before 9.56.07.08.09.0before 2.42.3

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-32373

The vulnerability involves processing maliciously crafted web content within WebKit-based browsers and applications. While these applications are frequently used to access the public internet, the attack surface depends on a user actively navigating to malicious content, rather than the product itself acting as a public-facing service, gateway, or internet-accessible management interface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory management flaw in Apple's WebKit, utilized by Safari and other products, can be exploited through maliciously crafted web content. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The core issue stems from a use-after-free memory error, which can lead to system instability or unauthorized actions.

  • Vulnerable Apple software components
  • Memory management flaw
  • Potential for arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A vulnerability exists that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing specially crafted web content. This could lead to unauthorized actions on affected systems if users are directed to malicious websites or open malicious documents. The issue is related to how memory is managed after it has been freed.

  • Exposure through web content.
  • Attacker directs user to malicious site.
  • Malicious code execution and control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to its potential for code execution by processing malicious web content. It has been reported that this issue may have been actively exploited in the wild. Organizations utilizing affected Apple software should prioritize applying the provided updates to mitigate the threat.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Network access and user interaction with malicious content.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into visiting a malicious website. Organizations should prioritize identifying and protecting systems that process web content. The vendor has released fixes, and applying these updates is crucial to mitigate the risk.

  • Find affected systems and applications.
  • Restrict access to untrusted web content.
  • Apply vendor updates and confirm implementation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Apple WebKit and its role in Apple devices?

Apple WebKit is the browser engine powering Safari and enabling many applications on Apple devices to display web content. It is essential for user interaction with websites and web-based features across Apple products.

What type of weakness does CVE-2023-32373 represent?

CVE-2023-32373 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416). This occurs when software attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated, potentially causing crashes or enabling an attacker to execute their own code.

How can CVE-2023-32373 be exploited?

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by directing a user to process maliciously crafted web content. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected system.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-32373 according to the Halo Surface Signal?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Possible' score for this vulnerability. It highlights that while the affected applications interact with the public internet, exploitation typically requires a user to actively navigate to malicious content, rather than the product being a directly exposed service.

What action should be taken to address CVE-2023-32373?

To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to apply the updates provided by Apple for affected software, including watchOS, tvOS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Safari. Identifying and protecting systems that process web content is also advised.

References