Kernel code execution via use-after-free
Published May 8, 2023 · Updated Jan 29, 2025
Kernel use-after-free in Apple macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS allows local users to execute code with kernel privileges. The Kernel accesses memory after its lifetime ends because memory management does not prevent reuse; Apple has not identified the affected object or function. Exploitation requires a locally launched app and grants control at the kernel privilege level across the affected device or computer.
Summary
What happened
Kernel use-after-free in Apple macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS allows local users to execute code with kernel privileges. The Kernel accesses memory after its lifetime ends because memory management does not prevent reuse; Apple has not identified the affected object or function. Exploitation requires a locally launched app and grants control at the kernel privilege level across the affected device or computer.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-27969
- Published
- May 8, 2023
- Updated
- Jan 29, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- iOS and iPadOS
- Classifications
- CWE-416, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- May 8, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jan 29, 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.
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <15.7
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <16.4
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
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.
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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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