Apple iOS/iPadOS up to 16.3.0 Kernel use after free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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7.4$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as critical has been found in Apple iOS and iPadOS up to 16.3.0. This impacts an unknown function of the component Kernel. The manipulation results in use after free. This vulnerability is cataloged as CVE-2023-23514. The attack must be initiated from a local position. Furthermore, there is an exploit available. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Apple iOS and iPadOS up to 16.3.0 (Smartphone Operating System). Affected is an unknown part of the component Kernel. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a use after free vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The weakness was shared 02/13/2023 by Xinru Chi as HT213635 as confirmed advisory (Website). The advisory is shared for download at support.apple.com. This vulnerability is traded as CVE-2023-23514. Technical details are unknown but a public exploit is available. The advisory points out:

An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges

The exploit is shared for download at packetstormsecurity.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept. As 0-day the estimated underground price was around $25k-$100k.

Upgrading to version 16.3.1 eliminates this vulnerability. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability. The advisory contains the following remark:

A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at EUVD (EUVD-2023-27614). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.8
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.4

VulDB Base Score: 7.8
VulDB Temp Score: 7.0
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 7.8
NVD Vector: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Use after free
CWE: CWE-416 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔍
Access: Public
Status: Proof-of-Concept
Download: 🔍

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

Reaction Time: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Exposure Time: 🔍

Upgrade: iOS/iPadOS 16.3.1

Timelineinfo

01/12/2023 🔍
02/13/2023 +32 days 🔍
02/13/2023 +0 days 🔍
02/14/2023 +1 days 🔍
10/11/2025 +970 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: apple.com

Advisory: HT213635
Researcher: Xinru Chi
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2023-23514 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2023-23514
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-220944
EUVD: 🔍
scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20150917

Entryinfo

Created: 02/14/2023 16:22
Updated: 10/11/2025 22:08
Changes: 02/14/2023 16:22 (19), 02/14/2023 16:25 (28), 03/15/2023 06:52 (2), 03/15/2023 07:06 (10), 06/29/2024 11:33 (22), 10/11/2025 22:08 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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