Apple Multiple Products WebKit Code Execution
CVE-2023-37450 is a high-severity vulnerability in Safari from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 16.5 as the first without the flaw, so updating Safari to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on July 13, 2023, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Safari to 16.5 or a later version.
- Update tvOS to 16.6 or a later version.
- Update iOS and iPadOS to 16.6 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if updates are unavailable.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Safari | before 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Apple | tvOS | before 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Apple | iOS and iPadOS | before 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Apple | macOS | before 13.5 | 13.5 |
| Apple | watchOS | before 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Apple | iPadOS | before 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Apple | Iphone OS | before 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Webkitgtk | Webkitgtk+ | before 2.42.3 | 2.42.3 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6, Safari 16.5.2, tvOS 16.6, macOS Ventura 13.5, watchOS 9.6. Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- CVE record published.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-04Third Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-37450US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in Safari
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.