CVE-2023-41974Known exploitationPublic exploit

Kernel code execution via use-after-free

Published Jan 10, 2024 · Updated Mar 12, 2026

Kernel use-after-free in Apple iOS and iPadOS before 17, or before 15.8.7 on legacy devices, allows local users to run kernel code via an app. The Kernel component accesses an allocation after it has been freed; Apple has not disclosed the affected object or code path. Execution of an attacker-controlled app and user interaction are required; successful exploitation grants kernel-level code execution.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability1.40%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationReported
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Kernel use-after-free in Apple iOS and iPadOS before 17, or before 15.8.7 on legacy devices, allows local users to run kernel code via an app. The Kernel component accesses an allocation after it has been freed; Apple has not disclosed the affected object or code path. Execution of an attacker-controlled app and user interaction are required; successful exploitation grants kernel-level code execution.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-41974
Published
Jan 10, 2024
Updated
Mar 12, 2026
Vendor
Apple
Product
iOS and iPadOS
Classifications
CWE-416, T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jan 10, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Mar 12, 2026Record 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 <15.8.7
  2. Affected versionversion=unspecified <17

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · iOS and iPadOSversion=unspecified <15.8.7; version=unspecified <17

Published CVSS scores

7.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
7.8CISA-ADPCVSS: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.

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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 exploitationReported
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.

Reported exploitation

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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