CVE-2023-23528 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/08/2023
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in tvOS 16.4, iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4. Processing a maliciously crafted Bluetooth packet may result in disclosure of process memory
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic out-of-bounds read flaw that was successfully addressed through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms within Apple's operating systems. The issue manifests when processing Bluetooth packets that have been maliciously crafted to exploit memory access violations. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices or other forms of bounds checking failures. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in wireless communication contexts where untrusted data flows directly into system memory processing routines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the Bluetooth stack level where incoming packets are parsed and processed without adequate bounds validation. When a specially crafted Bluetooth packet is received, the system attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive process memory contents. This type of memory disclosure vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1005 as it involves data from local system memory extraction. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation where the system does not properly verify that packet data conforms to expected size and format constraints before attempting memory operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could potentially include cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other sensitive data that could be exploited by attackers. In the context of mobile devices, this represents a significant security risk since Bluetooth communication is frequently used for device pairing, file transfers, and various connectivity services. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the device's internal state, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or targeted exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability affects Apple's mobile operating systems including iOS 16.4, tvOS 16.4, and iPadOS 16.4, indicating that it was present across the entire Apple ecosystem where Bluetooth connectivity is utilized.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the security updates released by Apple in the aforementioned versions. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected devices to ensure protection against exploitation. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring for anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing memory safety issues through improved bounds checking, which aligns with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow and out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is not strictly required for operations.