Summary: A use-after-free vulnerability found in multiple Apple operating systems can allow an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This issue has been addressed by improving memory management in watchOS 9.6, macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, iOS 15.7.8 and iPadOS 15.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.6.8, tvOS 16.6, iOS 16.6, and iPadOS 16.6, and macOS Ventura 13.5.

CVE-2023-38598 is a critical use-after-free vulnerability that affects a wide range of Apple operating systems. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially leading to a full device compromise. Apple has addressed this issue with improved memory management in multiple operating systems updates, including watchOS, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS versions.

The Vulnerability

A use-after-free occurs when an app continues to use an object’s memory space after it has been deallocated or "freed." This can lead to unpredictable behavior and, in some cases, the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

In the case of CVE-2023-38598, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious app that leverages the use-after-free issue to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, which could allow them to gain full control of the affected device.

The following code snippet demonstrates a theoretical exploitation of this vulnerability

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main()
{
    // Allocate memory and set its value.
    int *ptr = (int *)malloc(sizeof(int));
    *ptr = 42;

    // Free the memory.
    free(ptr);

    // Use the memory after freeing it (use-after-free).
    *ptr = xDEADBEEF;
    printf("Value after freeing: %08X\n", *ptr);

    return ;
}

Original References

Apple Security Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212937

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Database: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-38598

This use-after-free vulnerability affects the following Apple operating systems versions

* watchOS before 9.6
* macOS Big Sur before 11.7.9
* iOS and iPadOS before 15.7.8
* macOS Monterey before 12.6.8
* tvOS before 16.6
* iOS and iPadOS before 16.6
* macOS Ventura before 13.5

Exploit Details

There are no known exploits for this vulnerability in the wild. However, users are advised to update their devices to the latest version of the operating system to prevent any potential exploitation.

To update your device, follow these steps

1. For iOS and iPadOS devices, go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap "Download and Install."

For macOS devices, open the Mac App Store, go to the Updates tab, and click "Update All."

3. For watchOS devices, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General > Software Update, and tap "Download and Install."

For tvOS devices, go to Settings > System > Software Update, and click "Update Software."

Stay vigilant and ensure your devices are always running the latest software updates to keep them secure against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-38598. If you believe you have been affected by this vulnerability or have discovered a new exploit, please contact the Apple Product Security team at [product-security@apple.com](mailto:product-security@apple.com).

Timeline

Published on: 07/28/2023 05:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 08/03/2023 16:53:51 UTC