External risk intelligence

Apple Image Processing Vulnerability Allows Code Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-41064

A vulnerability in Apple's operating systems allows for arbitrary code execution when processing a crafted image. This impacts affected devices and poses a business risk of system compromise. Apple is aware of reports that this issue may have been actively exploited.

1Halo Surface Signal

Buffer Overflow

Apple Ipados

before 15.7.916.0 to before 16.6.111.0 to before 11.7.1012.0 to before 12.6.913.0 to before 13.5.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-41064

This vulnerability affects client-side operating systems and image processing libraries. It requires a user to process a maliciously crafted image file, which is a local or client-side interaction rather than a service exposed to the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists in Apple's operating systems that could allow for code execution when processing a specially crafted image. This flaw impacts the handling of image data within the affected systems. The potential consequence is that attackers could gain control over parts of the system.

  • Vulnerable image processing.
  • Flaw allows code execution.
  • Business risk includes system compromise.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability arises from a buffer overflow in image processing. An attacker could exploit this by presenting a specially crafted image file to the target system. Successfully triggering the vulnerability allows the attacker to gain control of the affected system.

  • Exposure requires user interaction.
  • Attacker provides malicious image.
  • Code execution and system control result.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability exists that could allow for arbitrary code execution by processing a specially crafted image. This issue has been addressed in recent updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Apple has acknowledged reports indicating this vulnerability may have been actively exploited.

  • Attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with malicious image
  • Business risk or urgency: Moderate

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization should address a vulnerability that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing a specially crafted image. This vulnerability has been reported as actively exploited and affects Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems. The recommended actions involve identifying affected systems, mitigating exposure, applying vendor updates, verifying the successful implementation of fixes, and monitoring for any related malicious activity.

  • Find affected Apple devices.
  • Isolate or reduce exposure.
  • Update, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-41064, and which Apple devices does it affect?

CVE-2023-41064 is a vulnerability present in Apple's ImageIO component, which is integral to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This flaw allows for arbitrary code execution when a user processes a specially crafted image file. The vulnerability impacts various versions of iPhone OS, iPadOS, and macOS, including specific releases of Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura, as well as iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 15.7.9 and 16.6.1.

What type of weakness does CVE-2023-41064 represent, and how is it exploited?

This vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow (CWE-120). Exploitation occurs when an attacker provides a specially crafted image file that exceeds the buffer's capacity within the ImageIO component. This overflow can lead to the execution of arbitrary code, potentially giving an attacker control over the affected system.

What is the scope of the CVE-2023-41064 vulnerability's impact?

The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution through the processing of a maliciously crafted image. While the attack vector is local (requiring user interaction with the malicious file), successful exploitation grants control over the affected system. This means an attacker could potentially compromise the device's integrity and functionality.

How relevant is CVE-2023-41064, considering active exploitation reports?

Apple has acknowledged reports that this vulnerability may have been actively exploited. This makes CVE-2023-41064 a significant concern, highlighting the importance of prompt remediation. The Halo Surface Signal assesses this vulnerability as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited without user interaction, affecting client-side operating systems and image processing libraries.

What practical steps should be taken to respond to CVE-2023-41064?

Organizations should identify all affected Apple devices running vulnerable versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. It is recommended to isolate or reduce exposure to the vulnerability and, most importantly, apply the vendor-provided updates as soon as possible. Verifying the successful implementation of these fixes and monitoring for any related malicious activity are also crucial steps.

References