---
id: "CVE-2023-41974"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2023-41974"]
title: "A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management"
severity: "high"
cvss: 7.8
epss: null
exploited: true
status: "open"
category: "vendor"
products: [{"name": "Apple iOS and iPadOS", "fixed": [], "affected": "", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "apple ipados", "fixed": ["15.8.7"], "affected": "< 15.8.7", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "apple ipados", "fixed": ["17.0"], "affected": ">= 16.0, < 17.0", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "apple iphone os", "fixed": ["15.8.7"], "affected": "< 15.8.7", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "apple iphone os", "fixed": ["17.0"], "affected": ">= 16.0, < 17.0", "ecosystem": "vendor"}]
ecosystems: ["vendor"]
tags: ["apple-devices", "exploited", "ios", "ipados", "mdm", "vendor"]
not_affected_if: ["unknown"]
published_at: "2024-01-10T22:15:49+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-23T23:44:51+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "kev", "url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2023-41974", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"}, {"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-41974", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T23:44:51+00:00"}]
---

# A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management

A use-after-free bug in Apple iOS and iPadOS lets a malicious app run code with kernel privileges. CISA lists it as actively exploited in the wild.

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

## Affected

- vendor:Apple iOS and iPadOS affected ? fixed ?
- vendor:apple ipados affected < 15.8.7 fixed 15.8.7
- vendor:apple ipados affected >= 16.0, < 17.0 fixed 17.0
- vendor:apple iphone os affected < 15.8.7 fixed 15.8.7
- vendor:apple iphone os affected >= 16.0, < 17.0 fixed 17.0

## How to check

Settings > General > About shows the iOS or iPadOS version; compare it against Apple's fixed release listed in the advisory.

## Fix

Update iOS or iPadOS to a version Apple lists as fixing CVE-2023-41974; CISA says to apply the vendor mitigations or stop using the product if none exist.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00 kev https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2023-41974
- 2026-10-23T23:44:51+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-41974

## From the sources

Apple iOS and iPadOS contain a use-after-free vulnerability. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

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