---
id: "CVE-2023-41061"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2023-41061"]
title: "A validation issue was addressed with improved logic"
severity: "critical"
cvss: 7.8
epss: null
exploited: true
status: "open"
category: "vendor"
products: [{"name": "Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS", "fixed": [], "affected": "", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "apple ipados", "fixed": ["16.6.1"], "affected": "< 16.6.1", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "apple iphone os", "fixed": ["16.6.1"], "affected": "< 16.6.1", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "apple watchos", "fixed": ["9.6.2"], "affected": "< 9.6.2", "ecosystem": "vendor"}]
ecosystems: ["vendor"]
tags: ["apple-devices", "exploited", "ios", "ipados", "vendor", "watchos"]
not_affected_if: ["unpatched-devices-already-updated"]
published_at: "2023-09-07T18:15:07+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-23T22:29:04+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "kev", "url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2023-41061", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"}, {"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-41061", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T22:29:04+00:00"}]
---

# A validation issue was addressed with improved logic

Apple's Wallet app on iOS, iPadOS and watchOS validates a message attachment incorrectly, so a crafted attachment can run code. It was chained with CVE-2023-41064 and is listed as exploited in the wild.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## Affected

- vendor:Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS affected ? fixed ?
- vendor:apple ipados affected < 16.6.1 fixed 16.6.1
- vendor:apple iphone os affected < 16.6.1 fixed 16.6.1
- vendor:apple watchos affected < 9.6.2 fixed 9.6.2

## How to check

Check the device OS version under Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS) or the Watch app on the paired iPhone (watchOS).

## Fix

Update iOS, iPadOS and watchOS to the fixed release Apple published for this CVE; the sources do not name the version.
If an update cannot be applied, follow the vendor mitigation instructions or stop using the device for sensitive work, as CISA directs.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00 kev https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2023-41061
- 2026-10-23T22:29:04+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-41061

## From the sources

Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS contain an unspecified vulnerability due to a validation issue affecting Wallet in which a maliciously crafted attachment may result in code execution. This vulnerability was chained with CVE-2023-41064.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_