PatchSiren

PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2016-7613 Apple CVE debrief

CVE-2016-7613 describes a kernel component flaw in certain Apple products where a crafted app could trigger object-lifetime mishandling during process spawning and execute arbitrary code in a privileged context. Apple and NVD list affected releases across iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, with the issue publicly disclosed on 2017-02-20.

Vendor
Apple
Product
CVE-2016-7613
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
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 fleet administrators, MDM teams, and security operators responsible for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch patch compliance should prioritize this issue, especially where users can install or run untrusted apps.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is in Apple’s Kernel component and is described as an object-lifetime mishandling issue during process spawning. The CVE description states that iOS before 10.1, macOS before 10.12.1, tvOS before 10.0.1, and watchOS before 3.1 are affected. NVD maps the issue to local exploitation with user interaction required (CVSS 3.0: AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) and lists CWE-264 as the weakness classification.

Defensive priority

High. This is a kernel-level flaw with potential for privileged code execution across multiple Apple platforms, but it is locally triggered and requires user interaction, which lowers it slightly from the highest-priority class while still making patching urgent.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply Apple security updates that bring devices to the fixed releases referenced in the CVE description and Apple advisories.
  • Verify fleet inventory and confirm affected devices are no longer running vulnerable versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, or watchOS.
  • Use MDM and compliance checks to block or quarantine devices that cannot be updated promptly.
  • Reduce exposure to untrusted or sideloaded apps on managed devices where policy allows.
  • Track Apple and NVD references for this CVE when validating remediation status and asset coverage.

Evidence notes

This debrief is based on the supplied NVD record and Apple vendor-advisory references. The record shows a CVSS 3.0 vector of AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H and lists CWE-264. The CVE description states the issue involves the Kernel component and object-lifetime mishandling during process spawning. The supplied metadata also indicates public disclosure on 2017-02-20 and no KEV entry. Note: the CVE description and NVD CPE mappings differ slightly on version bounds; the description says iOS before 10.1/macOS before 10.12.1/tvOS before 10.0.1/watchOS before 3.1, while NVD’s CPE list includes additional product/version mappings.

Official resources

Publicly disclosed in the supplied NVD record and Apple vendor advisory references on 2017-02-20. No KEV entry was supplied for this CVE.