CVE-2023-32373 - Use-after-free Vulnerability Fixed with Improved Memory Management in Apple Devices Allows Arbitrary Code Execution

A recently discovered vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-32373, affects several Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The issue stems from a use-after-free vulnerability, which occurs when an application continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to potential security threats. This specific vulnerability could permit an attacker to execute arbitrary code on your device simply by processing maliciously crafted web content.

Apple resolved this issue by implementing improved memory management in their devices. According to their security update, the main affected versions include watchOS 9.5, tvOS 16.5, macOS Ventura 13.4, iOS 15.7.6 and iPadOS 15.7.6, Safari 16.5, and iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5. Apple admitted to being aware of an exploit report, implying that the issue might have been actively exploited.

The following is a simple code snippet that demonstrates a use-after-free vulnerability

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main() {
  /* Allocate memory for an integer */
  int *buffer = (int*) malloc(sizeof(int));

  /* Free the allocated memory */
  free(buffer);

  /* Use the freed memory (use after free) */
  *buffer = 33;

  return ;
}

In this example, the program allocates memory for an integer, frees the memory, and then attempts to assign the value 33 to the freed space. This code is vulnerable to a use-after-free vulnerability, which might enable an attacker to exploit it.

For more information about CVE-2023-32373, visit the following official Apple references

1. Apple Security Update: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213632
2. CVE Details: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-32373

Exploit Details

Unfortunately, there are limited details regarding the CVE-2023-32373 exploitation. Apple, acknowledging the security issue, is working tirelessly to discover more information about the attack. However, the issue revolves around using specially crafted web content to exploit the targeted system, implying that the attacker might induce the victim to visit a malicious webpage or use social engineering tactics.

Conclusion

If you own an Apple device, it is critical to keep it updated to the latest available version. The company resolved this dangerous use-after-free vulnerability (CVE-2023-32373) through improved memory management. By promptly updating your device to watchOS 9.5, tvOS 16.5, macOS Ventura 13.4, iOS 15.7.6 and iPadOS 15.7.6, Safari 16.5, or iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5, you effectively mitigate the risk of arbitrary code execution via maliciously crafted web content.

Timeline

Published on: 06/23/2023 18:15:12 UTC
Last modified on: 08/29/2023 18:05:45 UTC