CVE-2024-23213 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in Safari 17.3, iOS 16.7.5 and iPadOS 16.7.5, iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, tvOS 17.3, watchOS 10.3. Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical memory handling flaw in Apple's Safari browser and related operating systems that could enable remote code execution through web content processing. The issue affects multiple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, with specific fixed versions outlined for each. The vulnerability arises from inadequate memory management during web content processing, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors. The security patch addresses fundamental memory handling mechanisms that are essential for preventing unauthorized code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that are particularly dangerous due to their potential for arbitrary code execution. The fix implemented by Apple demonstrates the company's response to addressing memory safety concerns in their web rendering engines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory allocation and deallocation patterns during web content parsing and rendering operations. When Safari processes certain web content, the flawed memory handling can lead to memory corruption that attackers might exploit to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications fail to properly validate memory boundaries or handle memory deallocation in a secure manner. The issue aligns with common software security weaknesses documented in CWE-122, which addresses buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. These memory-related flaws are particularly dangerous because they can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities when successfully exploited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across Apple's entire ecosystem of devices that utilize Safari as their primary web browser. Mobile devices including iPhones and iPads running affected versions are at risk, as are Mac computers, Apple TV devices, and Apple Watch units. Attackers could potentially craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Safari, would trigger the memory corruption and enable remote code execution. This presents a significant threat to user privacy and system integrity, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to install malware, access sensitive data, or perform other malicious activities. The vulnerability affects both regular web browsing and web application execution, making it particularly concerning for users who frequently access the internet through Safari.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on prompt system updates to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory. Users should immediately update their devices to the latest available versions including Safari 17.3, iOS 16.7.5 and iPadOS 16.7.5, iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, tvOS 17.3, and watchOS 10.3. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these updates across enterprise environments to protect organizational assets. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block potentially malicious web content. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and following secure coding practices in web browser development. Organizations should consider implementing browser hardening configurations and limiting web content access to trusted sources. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and the potential risks associated with delayed patch deployment in maintaining system security.