CVE-2023-41974
HighExploitedPublic exploitA use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management.
Published Jan 10, 2024 · Updated Mar 12, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-41974 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Ipados (Apple), Iphone OS (Apple), iOS and iPadOS.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 3, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 2.0% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 15.8.7, Iphone OS 15.8.7, iOS and iPadOS 15.8.7.
- 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)
2.0%
Higher than 79.9% 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-2023-41974 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 5, 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 3, 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 5, 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 5, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
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.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IpadosApple | See advisory | 15.8.7 |
| Iphone OSApple | See advisory | 15.8.7 |
| iOS and iPadOS | >= unspecified | 17 |
Patched Releases
Ipados
15.8.7
Iphone OS
15.8.7
iOS and iPadOS
15.8.7, 17
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 10, 2024
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 3, 2026
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 5, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 5, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 5, 2026
Last updated
Mar 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttps://support.apple.com/en-us/120949
- advisoryhttps://support.apple.com/en-us/126632
- advisoryhttps://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213938
- advisoryhttps://support.apple.com/kb/HT213938
- exploithttps://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/coruna-powerful-ios-exploit-kit
FAQ
Common Questions.
A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management.
Affected: Ipados (Apple); Iphone OS (Apple); iOS and iPadOS versions >= unspecified. 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 Mar 3, 2026.
Yes. It was added on Mar 5, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 26, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 15.8.7, Iphone OS 15.8.7, iOS and iPadOS 15.8.7.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2023-41974 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo