Apple iOS and iPadOS Use-After-Free Vulnerability (CVE-2023-41974)

Apple iOS and iPadOS contain a use-after-free vulnerability. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

Published Jan 10, 2024 · Updated May 29, 2026

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Why patchRisk explained in plain English

Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A local attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2026-03-26 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS. A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, iOS 15.8.7 and iPadOS 15.8.7. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

●Apple Device Administrators

●Endpoint Security

●IT Security

●Running ipados: v < 15.8.7, 16.0 ≤ v < 17.0; iphone os: v < 15.8.7, 16.0 ≤ v < 17.0

Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/coruna-powerful-ios-exploit-kit

How to patch

Get the fix

Apply the fixed package from your vendor. The advisory lists affected versions and the exact fixed build.

↗ Vendor advisory

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.