CVE-2023-42852 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, iOS 16.7.2 and iPadOS 16.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.1, Safari 17.1, tvOS 17.1. Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42852 represents a logic flaw in Apple's web processing frameworks that could potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This issue specifically impacts the handling of web content within Apple's ecosystem, where the flawed logic could be exploited through maliciously crafted web pages or content. The vulnerability was addressed through comprehensive improved checks and validation mechanisms implemented across multiple Apple operating systems and applications. The fix was rolled out in several key releases including iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, iOS 16.7.2, iPadOS 16.7.2, macOS Sonoma 14.1, Safari 17.1, and tvOS 17.1, demonstrating the widespread nature of the affected components. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web rendering and system security boundaries, where improper validation of web content could lead to privilege escalation or code execution.
The technical nature of this logic issue stems from insufficient input validation and state management within Apple's web processing pipelines. When systems process web content, particularly complex or malformed inputs, the flawed logic could cause the system to behave in unexpected ways that bypass normal security controls. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the CWE-252 category of "Unchecked Return Value" or similar logic flow issues where the system fails to properly validate or check the results of operations before proceeding with potentially dangerous actions. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 "Exploitation for Client Execution" as it enables remote code execution through web-based attack vectors. The implementation of improved checks likely involved enhanced sanitization routines, stricter validation of web content parameters, and more robust error handling mechanisms that prevent the exploitation path.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-42852 extends across Apple's entire ecosystem, affecting users of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS devices when they encounter malicious web content. This vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access compromised websites or receive malicious web-based payloads through email or other communication channels. The potential for arbitrary code execution means that attackers could gain full system control, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoors, or further lateral movement within networks. Organizations using Apple devices for business operations face heightened risk, particularly in environments where users have unrestricted web browsing capabilities or where security policies may not adequately protect against web-based threats. The vulnerability's presence in Safari and related web frameworks makes it particularly dangerous as users frequently interact with web content in their daily activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42852 should prioritize immediate deployment of the applicable security updates across all affected Apple platforms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all devices receive the necessary updates promptly, particularly given the remote execution capabilities of this vulnerability. Network-based protections such as web proxies, content filtering systems, and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense while waiting for patch deployment. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network traffic patterns or suspicious web requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should verify that all Apple devices within the organization have been updated to the patched versions, and that no legacy systems remain vulnerable. The remediation process should also include user awareness training to help identify potentially malicious web content and encourage safe browsing practices that reduce the risk of exposure to this and similar vulnerabilities.