CVE-2024-23208 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, tvOS 17.3, watchOS 10.3. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical memory handling flaw that could enable malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The issue was identified in Apple's operating systems and specifically addressed through enhanced memory management protocols in versions iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, tvOS 17.3, and watchOS 10.3. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation attacks where an application can bypass normal security boundaries to gain unauthorized access to system-level resources. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a significant concern as kernel-level access provides attackers with complete control over the device, enabling them to manipulate system functions, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The flaw likely stems from improper memory allocation or deallocation processes that could be exploited through crafted input or memory corruption techniques.
The technical implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise capabilities. When an application can execute code with kernel privileges, it essentially breaks down the fundamental security model that separates user-space applications from system-level operations. This type of vulnerability typically manifests through memory corruption issues that allow attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures, potentially leading to information disclosure, system instability, or complete system compromise. The attack vector likely involves carefully constructed inputs that trigger memory handling errors, enabling the malicious application to leverage these flaws to gain elevated privileges. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications have access to extensive device capabilities and user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe across all affected Apple platforms, as it affects the core security architecture that protects user devices from malicious software. Organizations and individual users face significant risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized device access, and compromised privacy. The vulnerability affects not just individual devices but could potentially enable large-scale attacks targeting multiple platforms simultaneously due to the shared kernel architecture across Apple's ecosystem. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate mitigation. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the underlying memory handling mechanisms to prevent the exploitation techniques that could lead to kernel privilege escalation. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129, which deals with insufficient input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code injection. The remediation approach focuses on strengthening memory management protocols to prevent unauthorized code execution at the kernel level, thereby maintaining the integrity of the operating system's security model.
Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the patched versions across all affected Apple devices to prevent potential exploitation. Security teams must monitor for any indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement additional protective measures such as application whitelisting and network monitoring. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure operating system environments, particularly when dealing with complex kernel-level memory management. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar memory handling issues that could present similar risks. The incident highlights the importance of timely patch management and the critical need for continuous security monitoring in enterprise environments where Apple devices are prevalent. System administrators should also consider implementing additional layers of protection including mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit such vulnerabilities.