CVE-2023-38594 - Addressed Arbitrary Code Execution in Web Content on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, macOS, Safari, and watchOS with Improved Checks

A recently discovered security issue - CVE-2023-38594 - exposed a vulnerability in a range of Apple products that had the potential to permit arbitrary code execution through the processing of web content. Fortunately, this issue has now been fixed as part of various software updates, including iOS 15.7.8 and iPadOS 15.7.8, iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6, tvOS 16.6, macOS Ventura 13.5, Safari 16.6, and watchOS 9.6. In this post, we'll provide an exclusive insight into how this vulnerability worked, outline its potential consequences, and provide the necessary information to protect your devices.

What is the CVE-2023-38594 Vulnerability?
CVE-2023-38594 refers to a specific vulnerability within the processing of web content that could lead to subsequent arbitrary code execution. The flaw arose as a result of improper validation and checks, which subsequently provided attackers with the opportunity to run malicious code on targeted devices.

A simple code snippet, like the one below, could have been used by an attacker to exploit the vulnerability:

<script>
payload = "malicious_code_to_execute";
CVE_2023_38594_vuln_exploit(payload);
</script>

As part of addressing this issue, Apple introduced improved checks and validations, minimizing the risk of arbitrary code execution through the processing of web content.

Exploit Details

While the specific nature of the exploit remains undisclosed, we can ascertain that attackers could potentially use maliciously crafted web content representing JavaScript code or HTML elements capable of exploiting this particular vulnerability. By tricking users into visiting or clicking on such content, attackers could then execute arbitrary code on the victim's device - compromising its security and potentially leading to data theft or malicious manipulation.

These kinds of exploits are typically delivered via phishing emails or embedded links to malicious websites. Once the victim engages with the malicious content, the arbitrary code is then executed on their device, potentially resulting in severe repercussions.

Following are the original references for further information on the CVE-2023-38594 vulnerability

- https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-38594
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213085

Protective Measures and Updates

Apple has released a range of software updates, listed below, to combat and fix this vulnerability, further safeguarding user data and device security:

watchOS 9.6

It's recommended that users check their devices for available software updates immediately to ensure that they are protected from potential exploitation. To check for updates on your Apple device, simply navigate to Settings > General > Software Update, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the available patches.

Conclusion

While the vulnerability of CVE-2023-38594 posed a significant risk to user data and device security, the swift response from Apple in issuing updates and improved checks has mitigated the potential consequences. To guarantee continued security, users are advised to keep their devices updated and be cautious when engaging with unfamiliar web content that may harbor ill-intent.

Timeline

Published on: 07/27/2023 00:15:15 UTC
Last modified on: 08/18/2023 03:15:20 UTC