CVE-2023-38598
CWE-416Published: July 28, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in watchOS 9.6, macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, iOS 15.7.8 and iPadOS 15.7.8, macOS Monterey 12.6.8, tvOS 16.6, iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6, macOS Ventura 13.5. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Risk Analysis
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple operating systems that could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. Given the CVSS score of 9.8, this represents a critical risk to system integrity and security.
There is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, and it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog. It is remotely exploitable with low attack complexity.
Users should update to the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, or watchOS as specified in the vendor security advisory.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-38598 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-416): Use-after-free vulnerabilities involve accessing memory after it has been freed, often enabling arbitrary code execution.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (28)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-416)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-38598 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts