CVE-2023-38610 is a memory corruption vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems, specifically addressed in macOS Sonoma 14, iOS 17, and iPadOS 17. The underlying issue involves an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) that allows a maliciously crafted app to either cause unexpected system termination (crashes) or write arbitrary data into kernel memory. This vulnerability can be exploited locally by an unprivileged attacker without requiring prior authentication, but it does require user interaction, such as installing or running a malicious app. The vulnerability’s exploitation could lead to denial of service conditions or potentially enable privilege escalation by corrupting kernel memory, which could undermine system integrity and availability. The vulnerability was reserved in July 2023 and publicly disclosed in January 2024, with no known exploits currently observed in the wild. Apple has mitigated the issue by removing the vulnerable code in the latest OS versions. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.1 reflects a high severity due to the impact on integrity and availability, low attack complexity, and no privileges required. This vulnerability is significant because iOS and iPadOS devices are widely used in enterprise and personal environments, and kernel memory corruption can have severe consequences if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-38610 can be substantial, especially for those relying heavily on Apple mobile devices for business operations, communications, and access to sensitive data. Successful exploitation could cause device crashes leading to denial of service, disrupting business continuity. More critically, kernel memory corruption could allow attackers to escalate privileges, potentially bypassing security controls and gaining unauthorized access to system resources or sensitive information. This risk is heightened in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure where iOS devices are used for secure communications or remote access. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may face increased exposure if users install malicious apps. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability’s presence in widely deployed devices means attackers may develop exploits, increasing future risk. The impact on confidentiality is rated low, but integrity and availability impacts are high, which could lead to operational disruptions and potential data integrity issues.

European organizations should immediately prioritize upgrading all affected Apple devices to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 to apply the patch that removes the vulnerable code. Until devices are updated, organizations should enforce strict app installation policies, limiting installations to trusted sources such as the official Apple App Store and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and monitor device compliance. Implementing application whitelisting and restricting user privileges can reduce the risk of installing malicious apps. Regularly auditing device inventories to identify outdated OS versions and enforcing timely updates is critical. Security awareness training should emphasize the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of prompt OS updates. For high-risk environments, consider isolating iOS/iPadOS devices from critical network segments until patched. Monitoring device logs for unusual crashes or behavior may help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, coordinate with Apple support and stay informed about any emerging exploit reports or additional patches.