CVE-2023-42899: Apple iOS and iPadOS · Processing an image may lead to arbitrary code execution
Affects Apple iOS and iPadOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · fixed in 14.2 : patch Apple iOS and iPadOS soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 10:12 UTC
Rated High by the CNA (apple) · No CVSS score from NVD or the CNA
- EPSS
- 0.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 37% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 14.2
Exploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 12 Dec 2023
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
AI-suggested
Apply the official Apple updates that address this vulnerability. The issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.2, iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, watchOS 10.2, macOS Ventura 13.6.3, tvOS 17.2, iOS 16.7.3, iPadOS 16.7.3, and macOS Monterey 12.7.2. Users and administrators should ensure devices are updated to these versions or later to mitigate the risk.
Description
CVE-2023-42899 is a vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS where processing a specially crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved memory handling. Fixes have been released in multiple Apple operating system versions including iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, and several macOS and watchOS updates.
References
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT214035 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT214034 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT214038 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT214040 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT214037 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT214036 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT214041 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/9 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/7 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/10 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/8 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/11 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/13 (opens in a new tab)
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/12 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214041 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214040 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214037 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214036 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT214035 (opens in a new tab)