CVE-2024-23214 – This CVE describes memory corruption vulnerabil... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-23214?

CVE-2024-23214 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes memory corruption vulnerabilities in Apple's WebKit browser engine that could allow arbitrary code execution when processing malicious web content. It affects users of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS who visit compromised websites. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes memory corruption vulnerabilities in Apple's WebKit browser engine that could allow arbitrary code execution when processing malicious web content. It affects users of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS who visit compromised websites. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

macOS
iOS
iPadOS

Versions: Versions before macOS Sonoma 14.3, iOS 16.7.5, iPadOS 16.7.5, iOS 17.3, and iPadOS 17.3

Operating Systems: macOS, iOS, iPadOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All devices using Safari or WebKit-based browsers are vulnerable by default when visiting malicious sites.

📦 What is this software?

Macos by Apple

macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...

Learn more about Macos →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system takeover with attacker gaining full control, data theft, and persistent access.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution leading to malware installation, credential theft, or ransomware deployment.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper patching, network segmentation, and web filtering preventing exploitation.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires user interaction (visiting a malicious website) but no authentication.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.3, iOS 16.7.5, iPadOS 16.7.5, iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214059

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS or System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS. 2. Download and install the latest update. 3. Restart the device as prompted.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable JavaScript

all

Temporarily disable JavaScript in Safari to block exploitation vectors.

Use Alternative Browser

all

Switch to a non-WebKit browser like Firefox or Chrome until patched.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict web filtering to block known malicious sites.
Segment affected devices and restrict internet access to essential services only.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check the OS version in Settings > General > About on iOS/iPadOS or Apple menu > About This Mac on macOS.

Check Version:

sw_vers on macOS or Settings > General > About on iOS/iPadOS

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify the OS version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the fix.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual process spawns from Safari/WebKit, crash reports from browser processes

Network Indicators:

Connections to suspicious domains from browser processes

SIEM Query:

process_name:Safari AND event_type:process_creation AND parent_process:launchd

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-23214

CVSS v3 Score: 8.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-787

Published: January 23, 2024

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

🔗 References

http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/33 Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/34 Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/36 Third Party Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214059 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214061 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214063 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214059
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214061
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214063
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/33 Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/34 Third Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jan/36 Third Party Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214059 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214061 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214063 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214059
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214061
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214063

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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