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Vulnerability record · CVE-2023-23529 · published 27 February 2023

CVE-2023-23529: Apple WebKit type confusion allows code execution via web content

Apple · Safari

A type confusion flaw in Apple's WebKit engine was fixed by improved checks in iOS, iPadOS, macOS and Safari. Processing maliciously crafted web content can lead to arbitrary code execution, and Apple stated it was aware of a report that the issue may have been actively exploited.

8.8 CVSS 3.1 High CISA KEV since 14 Feb 2023 EPSS 9.5% · top 4.7% CWE-843 · Type confusion
8.8CVSS 3.1 base score
9.5%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
YesIn CISA KEV, fix deadline passed
4Affected product versions listed by NVD
9References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

A type confusion issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4, iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1, macOS Ventura 13.2.1, Safari 16.3. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 17 September 2026. Confidence: high.

high priorityIt is in CISA KEV with confirmed active exploitation and a high CVSS score of 8.8, though exploitation requires user interaction.

What it is

A type confusion flaw in Apple's WebKit engine was fixed by improved checks in iOS, iPadOS, macOS and Safari. Processing maliciously crafted web content can lead to arbitrary code execution, and Apple stated it was aware of a report that the issue may have been actively exploited.

Impact

An attacker who gets a victim to load crafted web content can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected browser or WebKit-based component, with high confidentiality, integrity and availability impact.

Attack surface

Reached over the network through malicious web content rendered by WebKit; the CVSS vector requires user interaction (UI:R) and no privileges (PR:N), so a victim must open or view the crafted content.

Exploitation

Listed in CISA KEV with a 2023-03-07 remediation due date, and Apple acknowledged a report of active exploitation; EPSS 30-day probability is about 9.5 percent (95th percentile).

What to do

  • Apply the vendor updates: iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4, iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1, macOS Ventura 13.2.1, and Safari 16.3.
  • Prioritize patching internet-facing and user-facing Apple devices, especially those used for browsing or email, per the KEV due date.
  • Restrict or monitor browsing of untrusted web content on unpatched devices where immediate updating is not possible.
  • Verify update deployment across managed fleets and confirm no devices remain on affected builds.

Detection

  • Hunt for exploitation attempts or crashes tied to WebKit rendering of untrusted web content on unpatched Apple devices.
  • Monitor for unexpected process behavior or code execution originating from Safari or WebKit processes.
  • Track patch compliance for the fixed iOS, iPadOS, macOS and Safari versions and flag devices still on earlier builds.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.

Exploitation in the wild

CISA added CVE-2023-23529 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 14 February 2023 as "Apple Multiple Products WebKit Type Confusion Vulnerability". Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal deadline 7 March 2023.

Affected products

4 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213633 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213635 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213638 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213673 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213633 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213635 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213638 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213673 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-23529 US Government Resource

Track CVE-2023-23529 inside VULONE

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Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2023-23529), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.