CVE-2023-42871

Kernel code execution via undisclosed memory handling flaw

Published Jan 10, 2024 · Updated Nov 4, 2025

Memory corruption in Apple Neural Engine in iOS/iPadOS before 17 and macOS before 14 allows local users to execute kernel code via an app. Apple states only that improved memory handling resolves the flaw and has not disclosed the exact unsafe operation or input path. Exploitation requires a user to run an app on a device with Apple Neural Engine and grants kernel-level code execution.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.21%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Memory corruption in Apple Neural Engine in iOS/iPadOS before 17 and macOS before 14 allows local users to execute kernel code via an app. Apple states only that improved memory handling resolves the flaw and has not disclosed the exact unsafe operation or input path. Exploitation requires a user to run an app on a device with Apple Neural Engine and grants kernel-level code execution.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-42871
Published
Jan 10, 2024
Updated
Nov 4, 2025
Vendor
Apple
Product
iOS and iPadOS
Classifications
CWE-787, T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jan 10, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Nov 4, 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 <17

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · iOS and iPadOSversion=unspecified <17
Apple · macOSversion=unspecified <14

Published CVSS scores

7.8NVDCVSS: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.

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 exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-787Out-of-bounds Write
T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

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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