Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2023-38606 is an Apple kernel-state integrity issue. A local app may be able to change sensitive kernel state, which can undermine device trust boundaries. Apple fixed it across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS updates and reported possible active exploitation against older iOS versions.
Executive priority
Treat this as a high-priority Apple fleet patching issue. The technical severity is medium, but confirmed KEV listing and Apple’s exploitation statement raise urgency, particularly for older iPhones. Focus on rapid inventory, patch enforcement, and exception tracking.
Technical view
The CVSS vector indicates local, low-privilege exploitation with no user interaction and high integrity impact. Apple describes the flaw as improper state management allowing an app to modify sensitive kernel state. Fixed releases include iOS/iPadOS 15.7.8 and 16.6, macOS Ventura 13.5, Monterey 12.6.8, Big Sur 11.7.9, tvOS 16.6, and watchOS 9.6.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant for Apple endpoints running versions older than the named fixed releases, especially iOS before 15.7.1 because Apple reported possible active exploitation there. The bundle does not specify affected build ranges beyond the fixed versions.
Exploitation context
Apple states it is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against iOS versions before iOS 15.7.1. CISA also lists CVE-2023-38606 in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The sources do not confirm exploitation against macOS, tvOS, watchOS, or iPadOS.
Researcher notes
The source bundle gives limited root-cause detail beyond improved state management and sensitive kernel state modification. No exploit mechanics, indicators, or affected component names are provided. Avoid assuming broader exploitation than Apple and CISA state.
Mitigation direction
- Update Apple devices to the fixed releases or later.
- Prioritize iPhones running iOS versions before 15.7.1.
- Use MDM or asset inventory to enforce minimum OS versions.
- Review Apple security update guidance for any platform-specific notes.
- Restrict installation of untrusted apps where feasible.
Validation and detection
- Inventory Apple device OS versions across managed fleets.
- Confirm iOS/iPadOS devices are at 15.7.8, 16.6, or later.
- Confirm macOS devices meet Ventura 13.5, Monterey 12.6.8, or Big Sur 11.7.9.
- Confirm tvOS is 16.6 or later and watchOS is 9.6 or later.
- Track remediation as KEV-prioritized until all exposed devices are updated.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CVE-2023-38606 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 5.5 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- Yes
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CISA KEV status
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N1.83.6Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
5.5MediumVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213846CVE reference
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213841CVE reference
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213843CVE reference
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213842CVE reference
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213845CVE reference
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213844CVE reference
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213848CVE reference
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-38606CVE reference · government-resource
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.