CVE-2023-41064

CVE-2023-41064 is a buffer overflow (CWE-120) in the ImageIO component of Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS that is triggered when the system processes a maliciously crafted image. Because ImageIO performs image decoding for messaging and web content, an attacker can reach the flaw through attachments or web pages, and successful exploitation may allow arbitrary code execution on the device. The flaw was exploited in the wild as part of a chain with CVE-2023-41061 (WebKit), which public reporting described as a zero-click, spyware-grade compromise chain used against civil-society targets. All users of iPhones, iPads, and Macs running builds released before Apple's September 2023 fixes are affected, making the exposed population extremely large. The vulnerability was added to the CISA KEV catalog on 2023-09-11, carries a high EPSS score of 45.1% (99th percentile), and no standalone public proof-of-concept is known because exploitation is occurring in real-world attacks rather than labs.

What to do: Apply Apple's September 2023 fixes — iOS and iPadOS 16.6.1 or later and macOS Ventura 13.5.2 or later — across all iPhone, iPad, and Mac fleets, which satisfies the CISA KEV required action. Because the observed in-the-wild chain paired this ImageIO bug with the CVE-2023-41061 WebKit flaw, treat unpatched devices as actively targeted and prioritize high-value users and privileged endpoints. If updates cannot be deployed promptly, follow the KEV guidance to apply vendor mitigations or discontinue use of the affected devices.