Apple Multiple Products Kernel Unspecified
CVE-2023-38606 is a medium-severity vulnerability in tvOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 16.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating tvOS to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on July 26, 2023, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update tvOS to 16.6 or a later version.
- Update iOS and iPadOS to 16.6 or 15.7, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update macOS to 13.5 or 11.7 or 12.6, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 | tvOS | before 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Apple | iOS and iPadOS | before 16.6; before 15.7 | 16.6, 15.7 |
| Apple | macOS | before 13.5; before 11.7; before 12.6 | 13.5, 11.7, 12.6 |
| Apple | watchOS | before 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Apple | iPadOS | before 15.7.8; 16.0 up to, but not including, 16.6 | 15.7.8, 16.6 |
| Apple | Iphone OS | before 15.7.8; 16.0 up to, but not including, 16.6 | 15.7.8, 16.6 |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- 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
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.5 | Medium | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.5 | Medium | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
This issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.6.8, iOS 15.7.8 and iPadOS 15.7.8, iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6, tvOS 16.6, macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, macOS Ventura 13.5, watchOS 9.6. An app may be able to modify sensitive kernel state. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.7.1.
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: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-38606US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in tvOS
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.