Kernel-state modification via improper state management
Published Jul 26, 2023 · Updated Oct 30, 2025
A kernel state-management flaw in Apple operating systems allows attackers to modify sensitive kernel state through a malicious app. Apple identifies the kernel as the locus but has not disclosed which state transition or validation failure permits the modification. Execution of an attacker-controlled app is required; reported exploitation is limited to iOS before 15.7.1, and the published impact is kernel-state modification.
Summary
What happened
A kernel state-management flaw in Apple operating systems allows attackers to modify sensitive kernel state through a malicious app. Apple identifies the kernel as the locus but has not disclosed which state transition or validation failure permits the modification. Execution of an attacker-controlled app is required; reported exploitation is limited to iOS before 15.7.1, and the published impact is kernel-state modification.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-38606
- Published
- Jul 26, 2023
- Updated
- Oct 30, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- iOS and iPadOS
- Classifications
- T1404, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jul 26, 2023Exploitation reportedCISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities listing
- Jul 26, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Oct 30, 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 <16.6
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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.
Weakness, pattern, technique
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
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities listingknown exploited catalog
- Apple report of active exploitation against older iOS releasesreported exploitation
Technologies
Your stack
See the directory against your own environment.
Your stack
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