CVE-2024-23222 in visionOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
A type confusion issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in Safari 17.3, iOS 15.8.7 and iPadOS 15.8.7, iOS 16.7.5 and iPadOS 16.7.5, iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, macOS Monterey 12.7.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, macOS Ventura 13.6.4, tvOS 17.3, visionOS 1.0.2. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. This fix associated with the Coruna exploit was shipped in iOS 17.3 on January 22, 2024. This update brings that fix to devices that cannot update to the latest iOS version.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-23222 represents a type confusion flaw that exists within Apple's WebKit rendering engine, which is the core component responsible for processing web content in Safari and other Apple applications. This type confusion vulnerability arises when the system incorrectly handles data types during runtime operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute malicious code. The issue specifically manifests when processing maliciously crafted web content, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing environments where users may encounter untrusted content from various sources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-479, which describes a type confusion issue where a program uses a value as if it were of one type while it is actually of another type. This misclassification can occur in memory management operations where pointers or references are not properly validated before use, potentially allowing attackers to exploit the discrepancy between expected and actual data types. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables arbitrary code execution, a critical security risk that can lead to complete system compromise when successfully exploited.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23222 extends beyond typical web-based attacks, as it specifically relates to the Coruna exploit that was actively being used in the wild. This exploit demonstrates how type confusion vulnerabilities can be weaponized to deliver sophisticated attacks that bypass traditional security measures. The fact that this vulnerability was patched in multiple versions of Apple's operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS indicates the severity of the threat and the widespread nature of the affected platforms. The Coruna exploit specifically targeted devices running older versions that could not be updated to the latest iOS version, highlighting a critical gap in security coverage for legacy devices.
Security researchers have mapped this vulnerability to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain access to systems and execute malicious code. The vulnerability's classification as a type confusion issue also connects to broader security principles related to memory safety and the importance of proper input validation. Apple's response to this vulnerability demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing zero-day exploits quickly, as evidenced by the January 22, 2024 release of the iOS 17.3 update that included the necessary mitigations. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing improved type checking mechanisms that prevent the incorrect handling of data types during web content processing, thereby closing the attack vector that allowed for arbitrary code execution.
Organizations and individuals should prioritize updating their Apple devices to the affected versions mentioned in the CVE description to mitigate this vulnerability. The multi-platform nature of the fix suggests that users across various Apple ecosystems need to ensure their systems are current with the latest security patches. The vulnerability's association with the Coruna exploit emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and the potential risks of running outdated software versions that may not receive the latest security protections.