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CVE-2016-7589 Apple CVE debrief

CVE-2016-7589 is an Apple WebKit issue that can be triggered through a crafted website and may lead to arbitrary code execution or a denial of service through memory corruption and application crash. The CVSS 3.0 vector is network-reachable but requires user interaction, which makes it especially important for internet-facing browsers and managed Apple fleets. The CVE record is dated 2017-02-20; later modification dates should not be treated as the vulnerability date.

Vendor
Apple
Product
CVE-2016-7589
CVSS
HIGH 8.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2017-02-20
Original CVE updated
2026-05-13
Advisory published
2017-02-20
Advisory updated
2026-05-13

Who should care

Apple endpoint and mobile-device administrators, browser management teams, and users of affected iOS, Safari, iCloud, iTunes, and watchOS versions should prioritize this issue, especially where Safari or other WebKit-based content is routinely exposed to the web.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is in the WebKit component and is described as memory corruption (CWE-119). A remote attacker can entice a user to visit a crafted website, which may result in arbitrary code execution or a crash. The NVD CVSS vector is CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating a network-based attack with required user interaction and high impact if successful.

Defensive priority

High. This is a browser/WebKit memory-corruption flaw with potential remote code execution, broad Apple product exposure, and no privileges required beyond user interaction.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update affected Apple products to the vendor-fixed versions referenced by Apple advisories and the CVE record.
  • Inventory devices and clients running older iOS, Safari, iCloud, iTunes, or watchOS builds and prioritize those exposed to web browsing or untrusted content.
  • Use managed update controls or MDM to enforce timely patching across Apple endpoints.
  • Treat unexpected Safari/WebKit crashes as a signal for review and ensure affected endpoints are brought current before re-enabling broad web access.

Evidence notes

Source corpus states the issue affects iOS before 10.2, Safari before 10.0.2, iCloud before 6.1, iTunes before 12.5.4, and watchOS before 3.1.3. The NVD CPE criteria in the supplied record list vulnerable versions up to iOS 10.1.1, Safari 10.0.1, iCloud 6.0.1, iTunes 12.5.3, and watchOS 2.2.2. The record also identifies WebKit, CWE-119, and a CVSS 3.0 vector of AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Official resources

Publicly disclosed in the CVE record on 2017-02-20. Use the vendor advisory links in the record for patch verification and affected-version confirmation.