CVE-2016-4657 Apple iOS: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
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.
- Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
- Keep extensions to a minimum and remove ones you do not recognise.
- Stop using Internet Explorer and any browser that no longer gets updates.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: A malicious or hacked website can be enough. Browser bugs are often the first step in a longer attack on the whole computer or phone.
The details
- Official name
- Apple iOS Webkit Memory Corruption Vulnerability
- Product
- Apple iOS
- CISA description
- Apple iOS WebKit contains a memory corruption vulnerability that allows attackers to execute remote code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) via a crafted web site. This vulnerability could impact HTML parsers that use WebKit, including but not limited to Apple Safari and non-Apple products which rely on WebKit for HTML processing.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-119)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 24, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 14, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2016-4657 ·
Questions about CVE-2016-4657
Is CVE-2016-4657 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2016-4657 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-2016-4657?
Install Apple's security update for iOS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
Am I affected by CVE-2016-4657?
Only if you use Apple iOS. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.