CVE-2023-41061 Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS: command or code injection
In plain words: The program treats text it receives as instructions instead of plain data. The attacker can run commands on the machine — often the whole device is taken over.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Oct 2, 2023
What to do
- Install Apple's security update for iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. 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, iPadOS, and watchOS Wallet Code Execution Vulnerability
- Product
- Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS
- CISA description
- Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS contain an unspecified vulnerability due to a validation issue affecting Wallet in which a maliciously crafted attachment may result in code execution. This vulnerability was chained with CVE-2023-41064.
- Type of flaw
- Command or code injection
- Confirmed exploited
- Sep 11, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Oct 2, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-41061 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-41061
Is CVE-2023-41061 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-41061 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Sep 11, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-41061?
Install Apple's security update for iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. 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-2023-41061?
Only if you use Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.