Apple Patches 3 Zero-Days Possibly Already Exploited

Sai Prashanth

Introduction

Apple recently took swift action to address three zero-day vulnerabilities that were discovered to have been exploited, posing a threat to the security of iPhones, Macs, and iPads. These vulnerabilities were found in the WebKit browser engine, which is utilized across multiple platforms. Tracked as CVE-2023-32409, CVE-2023-28204, and CVE-2023-32373, the bugs presented serious risks to user data and device integrity.

The Exploited Vulnerabilities

Apple has provided details on the three zero-day vulnerabilities and the potential risks they posed to its users. The first vulnerability, CVE-2023-32409, involved a sandbox escape that allowed remote attackers to break out of Web Content sandboxes. By doing so, attackers could gain access to sensitive information and compromise device security.

The remaining two vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-28204 and CVE-2023-32373, were related to an out-of-bounds read and a use-after-free issue, respectively. These vulnerabilities could be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code on compromised devices. To achieve this, the attackers would need to trick targets into loading maliciously crafted web pages or web content.

Apple’s Response

To address these critical vulnerabilities and protect its users, Apple swiftly released security updates across various platforms. The updates were implemented in macOS Ventura 13.4, iOS and iPadOS 16.5, tvOS 16.5, watchOS 9.5, and Safari 16.5. The security patches included enhancements in bounds checks, input validation, and memory management.

Apple, however, has not disclosed any information regarding the attacks that exploited these vulnerabilities. This lack of disclosure suggests that the company is prioritizing user security and confidentiality.

Impacted Devices

The scope of the impact is extensive, affecting both older and newer Apple devices. The list of affected devices includes iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), iPod touch (7th generation), and iPhone 8 and later. Furthermore, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later are also vulnerable to these zero-day vulnerabilities.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222

Rapid Security Response (RSR) Patches

It is worth noting that Apple initially addressed CVE-2023-28204 and CVE-2023-32373 through Rapid Security Response (RSR) patches for iOS 16.4.1 and macOS 13.3.1 devices, which were released on May 1. Unfortunately, Apple has not provided any specific details regarding the flaws addressed in the May RSR updates.

Recommendations and Conclusion

In light of these vulnerabilities and their potential exploitation, Apple urges all users to promptly update their devices to the latest available versions. By doing so, users can mitigate the risk of security breaches and ensure the safety of their personal data.

The recent security updates issued by Apple serve as a reminder of the critical importance of staying vigilant and regularly updating devices. By prioritizing security and remaining proactive, users can better protect themselves against evolving threats. It is essential to recognize that these vulnerabilities highlight the ongoing need to remain cautious and prioritize the security of our digital lives.

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