CVE-2023-38136 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2023
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6, watchOS 9.6. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical memory handling flaw that could potentially allow malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The issue was specifically addressed through enhanced memory management protocols within the operating system's kernel space. The vulnerability affects iOS 16.5 and earlier versions, as well as iPadOS 16.5 and earlier, and watchOS 9.5 and earlier releases, making it a widespread concern across Apple's mobile ecosystem. The flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with improper memory handling in kernel space, where buffer overflows or memory corruption can provide attackers with elevated privileges that bypass normal security boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. These classifications reflect the fundamental memory management issues that could enable attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute malicious code with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway likely involves crafting malicious payloads that can manipulate memory allocation patterns or overwrite critical kernel data structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this flaw through specially crafted applications that are designed to trigger the memory handling error during normal operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Apple's mobile operating systems. When an application can execute code with kernel privileges, it essentially bypasses all user-space security controls and can access, modify, or exfiltrate any data within the system. This includes sensitive user information, cryptographic keys, and system configurations that are normally protected from application access. The privilege escalation capability means that even sandboxed applications could gain unrestricted access to the device's core functionality, potentially enabling surveillance, data theft, or complete device takeover. Organizations and individuals using affected versions of iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS face significant risks, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data.
Apple's resolution of this issue through iOS 16.6, iPadOS 16.6, and watchOS 9.6 demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing kernel-level vulnerabilities promptly. The fix likely involves enhanced memory allocation validation, improved bounds checking mechanisms, and strengthened memory protection protocols within the kernel. Security professionals should prioritize updating affected systems immediately to prevent exploitation, as the window for attack remains open until patches are applied. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and continuous monitoring of system integrity, particularly in environments where mobile devices serve as primary access points to corporate networks. Organizations should implement robust patch management procedures and consider additional security controls such as mobile device management solutions to further protect against similar vulnerabilities. This incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing of kernel-level components and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components.