CVE-2024-23265: Apple iPadOS Use-After-Free Vulnerability

CVE-2024-23265 Overview

CVE-2024-23265 is a memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw stems from improper locking in kernel-level code paths, which Apple addressed by introducing improved locking primitives. A malicious application running locally can trigger the condition to cause unexpected system termination or write to kernel memory. Apple resolved the issue across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS in a coordinated set of March 2024 security updates. The vulnerability maps to [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write) and [CWE-400] (Uncontrolled Resource Consumption).

Critical Impact
An application with local access can corrupt kernel memory, leading to system termination or arbitrary kernel writes that may enable privilege escalation on affected Apple devices.

Affected Products

Apple iOS and iPadOS (fixed in 16.7.6 and 17.4)
Apple macOS Monterey 12.7.4, Ventura 13.6.5, and Sonoma 14.4
Apple tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, and watchOS 10.4

Discovery Timeline

2024-03-08 - CVE-2024-23265 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-23265

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a kernel memory corruption issue caused by inadequate synchronization between concurrent execution contexts. Apple's advisories state the issue was fixed with improved locking, indicating the original code allowed concurrent access to a shared kernel resource without sufficient protection. The result is an exploitable condition where memory can be written out of bounds [CWE-787] or kernel resources can be exhausted [CWE-400]. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to write kernel memory or trigger an unexpected system termination.

Root Cause

The root cause is a synchronization defect in a kernel code path. When multiple threads or execution contexts access a shared structure simultaneously without correct locking, the resulting race condition leaves memory in an inconsistent state. An attacker can shape this inconsistency into an out-of-bounds write against kernel memory. The fix introduces stronger locking semantics around the affected resource to enforce mutual exclusion.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires local code execution on the target device, typically through a malicious or compromised application. The application invokes the vulnerable kernel interface and races the affected operation to corrupt kernel state. User interaction is required, consistent with the standard iOS and macOS app delivery model where a victim installs or runs the malicious app. No network access is needed, and the attacker gains kernel-level impact from an initially unprivileged user context.

No verified public proof-of-concept exploit code is available for CVE-2024-23265. The vulnerability mechanism is described in Apple's security content notes referenced in the Apple Support Document HT214083 and related advisories.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23265

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected kernel panics or system terminations on Apple devices, particularly recurring panics tied to a specific third-party application.
Crash reports under /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ or device analytics referencing kernel subsystems associated with the affected component.
Installation of unsigned or sideloaded applications immediately preceding kernel instability.

Detection Strategies

Inventory all Apple endpoints and compare installed OS versions against the patched builds (iOS/iPadOS 16.7.6, 17.4; macOS 12.7.4, 13.6.5, 14.4; tvOS 17.4; visionOS 1.1; watchOS 10.4).
Forward macOS unified logs and crash reports to a central log platform and alert on repeated panic strings or EXC_CRASH events originating from kernel extensions.
Use mobile device management (MDM) compliance rules to flag devices running pre-patch OS versions.

Monitoring Recommendations

Monitor application install events and correlate with subsequent kernel panic frequency per device.
Track app store and enterprise app distribution channels for unapproved binaries with elevated entitlements.
Review MDM telemetry weekly for devices that fail to receive Apple security updates within the expected window.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23265

Immediate Actions Required

Apply Apple's March 2024 security updates to all affected devices, prioritizing macOS and iOS systems used for administrative or sensitive workloads.
Block installation of untrusted applications by enforcing app store and notarization policies through MDM.
Audit recently installed applications across the fleet and remove any that are unsigned, unapproved, or no longer required.

Patch Information

Apple fixed CVE-2024-23265 in iOS 16.7.6 and iPadOS 16.7.6, iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, macOS Monterey 12.7.4, macOS Ventura 13.6.5, macOS Sonoma 14.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, and watchOS 10.4. Refer to Apple's advisories: HT214081, HT214082, HT214083, HT214084, HT214085, HT214086, HT214087, and HT214088.

Workarounds

No vendor-supplied workaround exists; patching is the only supported remediation.
Restrict the installation of third-party applications through MDM configuration profiles until updates are deployed.
Enforce the principle of least privilege for user accounts and require Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) on macOS endpoints.

bash

# Verify current macOS build against the patched versions
sw_vers -productVersion

# Trigger an immediate software update check on macOS
sudo softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart