CVE-2016-4656KEV · OVERDUE

Apple iOS Memory Corruption Vulnerability

High · published August 25, 2016

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 97.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1591
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
24%
Percentile
97.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ An unauthorized app can crash your iOS device or run malicious code, and it’s disturbingly easy! Think of it like a party crasher sneaking in through a side entrance — once they’re inside, they can wreak havoc while everyone else is obliviously enjoying the party. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service through a crafted app. It means they could manipulate your device, steal sensitive data, or even brick your iPhone altogether — absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like a party crasher sneaking in through a side entrance — once they’re inside, they can wreak havoc while everyone else is obliviously enjoying the party. CVE-2016-4656 affects the kernel in Apple iOS, allowing memory corruption due to insufficient validation of apps, which can be exploited by specially crafted applications.

What to do

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service through a crafted app. It means they could manipulate your device, steal sensitive data, or even brick your iPhone altogether — absolutely devastating! To protect your device, immediately update to iOS version 9.3.5 or later. Additionally, avoid installing apps from unknown sources, and always check for updates regularly to ensure maximum security. You've got this! Just follow these steps and keep your device safe from these sneaky party crashers! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.23626 · 97.8th percentile
Published
2016-08-25T21:00Z
KEV added
2022-05-24 · due 2022-06-14
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 24 MAY 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jun 14
    kev
  • 25 AUG 21:00Z
    The kernel in Apple iOS before 9.3.5 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a…
    cvelistv5