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Vulnerability record · CVE-2023-41061 · published 7 September 2023

CVE-2023-41061: Apple iOS, iPadOS and watchOS Wallet attachment validation flaw allows code execution

Apple · Ipados

A validation issue in Apple's Wallet component was addressed with improved logic in watchOS 9.6.2, iOS 16.6.1 and iPadOS 16.6.1. A maliciously crafted attachment can lead to arbitrary code execution, and Apple states it is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

7.8 CVSS 3.1 High CISA KEV since 11 Sep 2023 EPSS 3.8% · top 10.4% CWE-20 · Improper input validation
7.8CVSS 3.1 base score
3.8%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
YesIn CISA KEV, fix deadline passed
3Affected product versions listed by NVD
13References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

A validation issue was addressed with improved logic. This issue is fixed in watchOS 9.6.2, iOS 16.6.1 and iPadOS 16.6.1. A maliciously crafted attachment may result in arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/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: medium.

high priorityThe flaw allows code execution, requires only user interaction, and is listed in CISA KEV with confirmed active exploitation, though EPSS probability is moderate.

What it is

A validation issue in Apple's Wallet component was addressed with improved logic in watchOS 9.6.2, iOS 16.6.1 and iPadOS 16.6.1. A maliciously crafted attachment can lead to arbitrary code execution, and Apple states it is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

Impact

An attacker who gets a victim to open a crafted attachment can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected component, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Attack surface

Reached locally via a maliciously crafted attachment that the user must open or interact with; the CVSS vector requires user interaction (UI:R) and no privileges (PR:N).

Exploitation

Apple reports the issue may have been actively exploited, and CISA added it to the KEV catalog on 2023-09-11; EPSS 30-day probability is about 3.8% (89th percentile).

What to do

  • Update to watchOS 9.6.2, iOS 16.6.1 or iPadOS 16.6.1 as applicable, per Apple advisories HT213905 and HT213907.
  • Prioritize patching of internet- and message-exposed Apple devices within the CISA KEV due date of 2023-10-02.
  • If immediate patching is not possible, restrict or disable Wallet attachment handling and treat unsolicited attachments as untrusted.
  • Verify device OS versions across managed fleets and block or isolate devices that cannot be updated.

Detection

  • Monitor for exploitation attempts or anomalous Wallet/attachment processing on iOS, iPadOS and watchOS devices.
  • Audit device inventory for OS versions below the fixed releases and track remediation.
  • Review Apple security advisories and KEV status for updated exploitation guidance.

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-2023-41061 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 11 September 2023 as "Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS Wallet Code Execution Vulnerability". Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Federal deadline 2 October 2023.

Affected products

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

References

LinkTags
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Sep/4 Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Sep/5 Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213905 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213907 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213905 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213907 Vendor Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Sep/4 Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Sep/5 Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213905 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213907 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213905 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213907 Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-41061 US Government Resource

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2023-41061), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.