CVE-2023-38592 - Apple iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS Ventura WebKit Logic Issue Leading to Arbitrary Code Execution

A recently discovered security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-38592, affects a range of Apple products, including the iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS Ventura systems. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected device. Apple has released updates to address this issue, so users should ensure that they have installed the latest updates available for their devices.

Exploit Details

CVE-2023-38592 is a logic issue that may arise in Apple systems when processing web content. This vulnerability stems from a lack of proper restrictions being implemented in the WebKit component of the affected devices. As web content is processed, this issue can enable arbitrary code execution by a remote attacker.

Although technical details and fully working exploit code are not publicly available, a proof-of-concept-stage exploit may exist. The issue could potentially be abused by an attacker who lures a victim to visit a malicious website using a vulnerable Apple device. By crafting malicious code within the web content and leveraging this vulnerability, an attacker can achieve unauthorized access and control over the device.

Code Snippet

While the specific attack code cannot be provided here, the issue is related to the WebKit component in Apple products, which serves as the engine for web browsers on Apple devices. Users should be cautious of any suspicious websites or links they visit on their Apple devices.

Mitigation and Patch Update

Apple has released updates to address this vulnerability in iOS 16.6, iPadOS 16.6, watchOS 9.6, tvOS 16.6, and macOS Ventura 13.5. Users of these devices should immediately install the latest software updates to protect themselves from potential exploitation. To do so, follow these steps:

For iOS and iPadOS: Go to *Settings*, select *General*, then *Software Update*

- For watchOS: Open the *Watch* app on your iPhone, select *My Watch* tab, then *General > Software Update*

For tvOS: Go to *Settings*, select *System*, then *Software Updates*

- For macOS Ventura: Go to *System Preferences*, click on *Software Update*, then follow the onscreen instructions

Original References

- Apple Security Update 2023-002
- NIST Vulnerability Database - CVE-2023-38592
- MITRE CVE Details - CVE-2023-38592

Conclusion

CVE-2023-38592 is a logic issue that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution on vulnerable Apple devices. While no known public exploits currently exist, users should remain vigilant and take precautionary measures such as updating their devices to the latest software versions and being cautious of suspicious websites or links they visit. Installing the appropriate security updates from Apple can help protect your device from potential exploitation.

Timeline

Published on: 07/28/2023 05:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 08/18/2023 03:15:18 UTC