External risk intelligence

Apple WebKit Memory Corruption Leading to Code Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-42917

A memory corruption vulnerability in web content processing could lead to arbitrary code execution. Reports indicate this issue has been exploited. Organizations should update affected Apple products and Safari to mitigate business risk.

4Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Safari

before 17.1.2before 15.8.116.0 to before 16.7.317.0 to before 17.1.214.0 to before 14.1.211.012.03839before 2.42.3

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-42917

This vulnerability resides in the WebKit engine, which is the core component used by web browsers (Safari) and various applications to process internet-based web content. Because web browsing involves constant, direct interaction with public-internet content, the exposure surface is high, making it a commonly reached target in standard user deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory corruption vulnerability was identified in components that process web content. This flaw could permit arbitrary code execution, potentially impacting systems that handle web data. The issue has been addressed through improvements in how code manages memory.

  • Vulnerable component: Web content processing
  • Core weakness: Memory corruption
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into visiting a malicious website. The attacker can then gain control over the affected system and access sensitive data. This poses a significant business risk by potentially compromising organizational security and data integrity.

  • Processing malicious web content.
  • User visits malicious website.
  • Arbitrary code execution and control.
  • Data access and system compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution when processing web content. Reports indicate that this issue has been exploited against earlier versions of iOS. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Given that the vulnerability is known to be exploited and is listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, it represents a significant risk to organizations.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: User must process malicious web content.
  • Business risk or urgency: High urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A memory corruption vulnerability has been identified that could allow for arbitrary code execution when processing web content. This issue has been addressed by Apple in recent updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Safari. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating assets affected by this vulnerability to reduce business risk.

  • Identify Apple devices and Safari instances.
  • Isolate or reduce exposure to web content.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify remediation.

Frequently asked questions

What is WebKit and its role in Apple products, including the context of CVE-2023-42917?

WebKit is the browser engine powering Apple's Safari. Many applications on Apple devices use it to display web content, enabling them to render web pages and interact with online services. This CVE-2023-42917 vulnerability exists within this fundamental component.

How does CVE-2023-42917 enable arbitrary code execution through memory corruption (CWE-787)?

CVE-2023-42917 is a memory corruption vulnerability (CWE-787) where improper data handling can lead to overwriting memory. When WebKit processes specially crafted web content, this corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code, granting an attacker control over the affected device.

What is the trigger path for CVE-2023-42917 and what is its scope?

The vulnerability is triggered when a user processes malicious web content. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing an attacker to gain control over the affected system and access sensitive data, posing a significant risk to data integrity and organizational security.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-42917 being on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog?

CVE-2023-42917 has been reported to be exploited against earlier versions of iOS. Its inclusion on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog signifies a substantial risk, indicating active exploitation that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.

What are the recommended actions to mitigate CVE-2023-42917?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify affected Apple devices and Safari instances, isolate or reduce exposure to web content, and promptly apply vendor-provided updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Safari. Verification of remediation is crucial.

References