CVE-2016-4656 Apple iOS: privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 14, 2022
What to do
- Install Apple's security update for iOS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Apple iOS Memory Corruption Vulnerability
- Product
- Apple iOS
- CISA description
- A memory corruption vulnerability in Apple iOS kernel allows attackers to execute code in a privileged context or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) via a crafted application.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-264)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 24, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 14, 2022
Ask Cleus about it
Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.
Answering about CVE-2016-4656 ·
Questions about CVE-2016-4656
Is CVE-2016-4656 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2016-4656 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 24, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2016-4656?
Install Apple's security update for iOS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2016-4656?
Only if you use Apple iOS. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.