CVE-2023-41061
HighExploitedPublic exploitA validation issue was addressed with improved logic.
Published Sep 28, 2023 · Updated Oct 21, 2025 · Also known as TR-23-0561
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-41061 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Ipados (Apple), Iphone OS (Apple), watchOS (Apple) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 7, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 4.4% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 16.6.1, Iphone OS 16.6.1, watchOS 9.6.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
4.4%
Higher than 91.2% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-41061 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
A validation issue was addressed with improved logic. This issue is fixed in watchOS 9.6.2, iOS 16.6.1 and iPadOS 16.6.1. A maliciously crafted attachment may result in arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Sep 11, 2023 | Oct 2, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 7, 2023 | Oct 2, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Sep 11, 2023 | Oct 2, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Sep 11, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IpadosApple | See advisory | 16.6.1 |
| Iphone OSApple | See advisory | 16.6.1 |
| watchOSApple | >= unspecified | 9.6.2 |
| iOS and iPadOS | >= unspecified | 16.6 |
Patched Releases
Ipados
16.6.1
Iphone OS
16.6.1
watchOS
9.6.2, 9.6
iOS and iPadOS
16.6
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 7, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Sep 11, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Sep 11, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Sep 11, 2023
Publicly disclosed
Sep 28, 2023
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
References
- advisoryhttps://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/09/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_27.html
- advisoryhttp://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Sep/4
- advisoryhttp://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Sep/5
- advisoryhttps://gbhackers.com/exploited-chrome-zero-day-patched/
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-40397
FAQ
Common Questions.
A validation issue was addressed with improved logic.
Affected: Ipados (Apple); Iphone OS (Apple); watchOS (Apple) versions >= unspecified, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 7, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Sep 11, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Oct 2, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 16.6.1, Iphone OS 16.6.1, watchOS 9.6.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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