CVE-2023-42824 Apple iOS and iPadOS: 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 Oct 26, 2023
What to do
- Install Apple's security update for iOS and iPadOS. 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 and iPadOS Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Apple iOS and iPadOS
- CISA description
- Apple iOS and iPadOS contain an unspecified vulnerability that allows for local privilege escalation.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation
- Confirmed exploited
- Oct 5, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Oct 26, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-42824 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-42824
Is CVE-2023-42824 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-42824 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Oct 5, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-42824?
Install Apple's security update for iOS and iPadOS. 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-2023-42824?
Only if you use Apple iOS and iPadOS. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.