CVE-2016-7644

Think of the “kernel” as the device’s core control system. This flaw can be triggered by a malicious app, but only if a user runs it after being tricked. If it works, the attacker can seize top-level control of the device or force it to crash, which can disrupt day-to-day work.

This matters if your business uses Apple devices running iOS, macOS, or watchOS versions older than the fixed versions (iOS before 10.2, macOS before 10.12.2, watchOS before 3.1.3). It’s primarily a risk when an attacker can get someone to install or run a crafted app on the device. Because it’s local and requires user interaction, it’s only a serious risk when the attacker can reach a device in your possession and successfully trick a user into running the malicious app.

This is an Amber issue because it targets the kernel and can lead to full device compromise or crashes, but it’s not remotely reachable by itself. Attackers would still need local access and a way to get a user to run a crafted app, which makes it more targeted than a “drive-by” vulnerability.

Even so, a public exploit is available and press attention is rising, so you should prioritize updating affected devices on your internal schedule.

Confirm whether you’re affected

1. Inventory devices: Identify any iPhones/iPads on iOS, Macs on macOS, and Apple Watches on watchOS that are used for business.
2. Check OS versions:
   • iOS: if the device is before 10.2, it’s potentially affected.
   • macOS: if the device is before 10.12.2, it’s potentially affected.
   • watchOS: if the device is before 3.1.3, it’s potentially affected.

Apply the fix (target versions)

• Update iOS to 10.2 or later (Apple guidance: https://support.apple.com/HT207422).
• Update macOS to 10.12.2 or later (Apple guidance: https://support.apple.com/HT207423).
• Update watchOS to 3.1.3 or later (Apple guidance: https://support.apple.com/HT207487).

Upgrade notes / breaking-change concerns

• Follow Apple’s update instructions for your specific device model. If you manage devices, verify your standard update process (backup, storage space, downtime window) before upgrading.

If patching is delayed (temporary risk reduction)

• Do not run or install untrusted applications.
• Increase user awareness and control channels that could introduce “crafted app” scenarios (for example, restrict where apps can come from and who can install apps).
• Treat unexpected app behavior or repeated crashes as a signal to isolate/stop using the device until it can be updated.

What to monitor

• After updates, ensure devices remain stable (this issue can cause denial of service via crashes).
• Watch for any unusual behavior on devices that were exposed to suspicious apps before the update window.

KEV / deadlines

• This vulnerability is not listed in CISA KEV in the provided findings, so no KEV-based due date was given here.

CVE-2016-7644 is a kernel vulnerability in older Apple OS versions affecting iOS before 10.2, macOS before 10.12.2, and watchOS before 3.1.3. The weakness is categorized as CWE-416 (use-after-free).

From the findings: the attack vector is local, authentication is not required, but user interaction is required—meaning a user must be tricked into running a crafted application. The impact is either full compromise of highest-level device functions or denial of service (crash) due to improper handling of already-freed memory.

Exploitation signals: a public exploit is available (1 known). CISA KEV listing was not found in the provided findings, and therefore this should be treated as an actively discussed but not confirmed KEV-tracked incident in this dataset. EPSS is provided as a prediction (trend rising), but it’s not used to override confirmation status.

Why this matters: targeting the kernel increases the chance that successful exploitation leads to high privileges, making remediation through updating the OS the most reliable control.