Kernel code execution via out-of-bounds write
Published Apr 10, 2023 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Out-of-bounds write in IOSurfaceAccelerator in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple identifies IOSurfaceAccelerator as the locus but has not disclosed which input or missing validation causes the out-of-bounds write. A malicious app must reach the local driver path; successful memory corruption grants kernel privileges, and the flaw was used in a targeted iPhone exploit chain.
Summary
What happened
Out-of-bounds write in IOSurfaceAccelerator in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple identifies IOSurfaceAccelerator as the locus but has not disclosed which input or missing validation causes the out-of-bounds write. A malicious app must reach the local driver path; successful memory corruption grants kernel privileges, and the flaw was used in a targeted iPhone exploit chain.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-28206
- Published
- Apr 10, 2023
- Updated
- Oct 21, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- iOS and iPadOS
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Apr 1, 2023Exploitation reportedTargeted iPhone malicious-link exploit chain
- Apr 10, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Oct 21, 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.
Reported exploitation
- Apple reported active exploitationreported exploitation
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities entryknown exploited catalog
- Targeted iPhone malicious-link exploit chainexploit chain
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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