CVE-2023-38604
CWE-787Published: July 28, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved input validation. 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 vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write issue in various Apple operating systems, potentially allowing an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It is rated as critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.
There is no known public exploit, and it is not in the KEV catalog.
Update to the latest versions of watchOS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, or tvOS as specified in the security advisory.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-38604 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-787): Out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities can lead to data corruption, crashes, or 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-787)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-38604 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts