CVE-2023-23514Public exploit

Kernel code execution via NFSSVC use-after-free

Published Feb 27, 2023 · Updated Mar 11, 2025

Kernel use-after-free in affected Apple operating systems allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges through an app. The XNU NFSSVC path can free an object while worker threads still retain and use it because the relevant upcall work lacks sufficient locking. Execution of a crafted local application and user interaction are required; successful exploitation crosses from app context into kernel code execution.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.72%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Kernel use-after-free in affected Apple operating systems allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges through an app. The XNU NFSSVC path can free an object while worker threads still retain and use it because the relevant upcall work lacks sufficient locking. Execution of a crafted local application and user interaction are required; successful exploitation crosses from app context into kernel code execution.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-23514
Published
Feb 27, 2023
Updated
Mar 11, 2025
Vendor
Apple
Product
iOS and iPadOS
Classifications
CWE-416, T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Feb 27, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Mar 11, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=unspecified <16.3

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · iOS and iPadOSversion=unspecified <16.3
Apple · macOSversion=unspecified <11.7; version=unspecified <12.6; version=unspecified <13.2; version=unspecified <13.3

Published CVSS scores

7.8NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-416Use After Free
T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

Public exploit references

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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