CVE-2023-28194 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/08/2023
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4. An app may be able to unexpectedly create a bookmark on the Home Screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28194 represents a security flaw in apple's ios and ipados operating systems that allows malicious applications to potentially create unauthorized bookmarks on the home screen without proper user consent. This issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the system's bookmark creation process, which could be exploited by malicious actors to deploy persistent shortcuts or links that may serve as entry points for further attacks. The flaw exists in the way the operating system handles bookmark creation requests from applications, particularly when those requests originate from apps that may not have legitimate authorization to modify the user's home screen configuration. The vulnerability is classified under the broader category of privilege escalation and unauthorized system modification, which aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack framework. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-264 category of permissions and access control issues, where applications can bypass normal security restrictions to perform actions outside their intended scope.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the operating system's insufficient validation of bookmark creation requests from third-party applications. When an app attempts to create a home screen bookmark, the system should verify that the application has proper authorization and that the user has explicitly consented to the action. However, in the affected versions, this validation process contained gaps that allowed unauthorized bookmark creation. The issue specifically impacts iOS 16.3 and earlier versions, as well as iPadOS 16.3 and earlier, where the security controls were not properly enforced. This weakness in the application sandboxing model could enable attackers to establish persistent access points on the device's home screen, potentially serving as a vector for phishing attacks or malicious redirection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege, where applications should not be able to modify system-level user interface elements without explicit user permission and proper authentication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to end-user security and privacy. The unauthorized creation of home screen bookmarks could be used to establish persistent malicious shortcuts that might trick users into clicking on them, potentially leading to further compromise through phishing attacks or malicious website redirections. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to create bookmarks pointing to malicious domains or to establish a foothold for more sophisticated attacks by creating initial access points on the device. The impact extends beyond simple inconvenience, as these bookmarks could serve as persistent backdoors or attack vectors that remain active even after the initial compromise. Users may not immediately notice the unauthorized additions to their home screen, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates silently in the background while potentially enabling other malicious activities. The security implications are further amplified by the fact that these bookmarks could be designed to mimic legitimate applications, making them difficult for users to distinguish from genuine system elements.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through enhanced validation checks and improved access control mechanisms within the operating system's bookmark creation process. The fix implemented in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 strengthens the verification procedures that applications must pass before creating home screen bookmarks, ensuring that proper user consent is obtained and that applications operate within their designated permissions. This update aligns with the security principle of defense in depth, where multiple layers of protection are implemented to prevent unauthorized system modifications. Organizations should prioritize updating affected systems to the patched versions to mitigate potential exploitation risks, as the vulnerability could be leveraged by threat actors to establish persistent presence on compromised devices. The fix represents a significant improvement in the operating system's security posture, particularly in protecting user interface elements from unauthorized modification and maintaining the integrity of the device's home screen as a trusted user interface component. Security professionals should monitor for any potential attempts to exploit this vulnerability in environments where affected versions remain in use, as the attack surface remains expanded until all systems are properly updated. The resolution demonstrates apple's commitment to addressing security flaws in their mobile operating systems and maintaining user trust through proactive vulnerability management and patch deployment.