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Vulnerability record · CVE-2023-28205 · published 10 April 2023

CVE-2023-28205: Apple WebKit use-after-free allows code execution via crafted web content

Apple · Safari

A use-after-free flaw in Apple's WebKit was fixed through improved memory management in Safari 16.4.1, iOS/iPadOS 15.7.5 and 16.4.1, and macOS Ventura 13.3.1. 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 10 Apr 2023 EPSS 27% · top 2.0% CWE-416 · Use after free
8.8CVSS 3.1 base score
27%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 use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in Safari 16.4.1, iOS 15.7.5 and iPadOS 15.7.5, iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1, macOS Ventura 13.3.1. 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.

critical priorityIt is in CISA KEV with confirmed in-the-wild exploitation potential, allows remote code execution, and requires only user interaction to trigger.

What it is

A use-after-free flaw in Apple's WebKit was fixed through improved memory management in Safari 16.4.1, iOS/iPadOS 15.7.5 and 16.4.1, and macOS Ventura 13.3.1. 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 can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected browser or web-rendering component, giving full compromise of confidentiality, integrity and availability on the victim device.

Attack surface

Reached over the network by rendering maliciously crafted web content; the CVSS vector requires user interaction (UI:R) and no privileges (PR:N), so a victim must load the page or content, typically via browsing or a link.

Exploitation

CISA added it to the KEV catalog on 2023-04-10 with a 2023-05-01 remediation due date, and Apple reported it may have been actively exploited; EPSS 30-day probability is about 27% (97.9th percentile).

What to do

  • Apply the vendor updates immediately: Safari 16.4.1, iOS/iPadOS 15.7.5 and 16.4.1, and macOS Ventura 13.3.1.
  • Prioritize patching internet-facing and user-browsing endpoints, meeting the CISA KEV due date of 2023-05-01.
  • Enforce automatic updates or managed update policies for Apple devices to close the exposure window.
  • Restrict or monitor browsing to untrusted sites on unpatched devices until updates are applied.

Detection

  • Hunt for Safari, WebKit or iOS/macOS process crashes consistent with use-after-free on endpoints running unpatched versions.
  • Monitor web proxy and DNS logs for access to known exploit or watering-hole domains tied to this campaign.
  • Alert on unexpected child processes or code execution spawned from Safari/WebKit processes.
  • Track asset inventory for devices still below the fixed Safari, iOS/iPadOS and macOS versions.

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-2023-28205 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 10 April 2023 as "Apple Multiple Products WebKit Use-After-Free Vulnerability". Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal deadline 1 May 2023.

Affected products

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

References

LinkTags
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213720 Release Notes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213721 Release Notes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213722 Release Notes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213723 Release Notes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213720 Release Notes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213721 Release Notes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213722 Release Notes
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213723 Release Notes
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-28205 US Government Resource

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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-2023-28205), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.