CVE-2016-4657

HIGH KEV RANSOMWARE

iPhone OS < 9.3.5 - Remote Code Execution via WebKit Memory Corruption

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

CVE-2016-4657 is actively exploited and listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added May 24, 2022, with confirmed use in ransomware campaigns. EIP tracks 5 public exploits from researchers including Metasploit, qwertyoruiop, iDaN5x.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This Metasploit module exploits a use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability in WebKit's JavaScriptCore library (CVE-2016-4657) to achieve remote code execution on iOS devices. It leverages memory corruption techniques to bypass mitigations and execute arbitrary payloads.

Description

WebKit in Apple iOS before 9.3.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site.

Exploits (5)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Metasploit · rubyremoteios
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/44836

This Metasploit module exploits a use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability in WebKit's JavaScriptCore library (CVE-2016-4657) to achieve remote code execution on iOS devices. It leverages memory corruption techniques to bypass mitigations and execute arbitrary payloads.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Reliable
Target: WebKit (JavaScriptCore) on Apple iOS
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Target must visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted link · Vulnerable version of WebKit on iOS
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
exploitdb WORKING POC
by qwertyoruiop · htmldoshardware
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/44213

This exploit leverages a type confusion vulnerability in the JavaScript engine of the Nintendo Switch browser to achieve arbitrary memory read/write. It uses garbage collection manipulation and array spraying to corrupt memory and gain control over object structures.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Racy
Target: Nintendo Switch Browser (WebKit-based)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Victim must visit a malicious webpage using the Nintendo Switch browser
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 56 stars
by iDaN5x · client-side
https://github.com/iDaN5x/Switcheroo

This repository contains a functional proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2016-4657, targeting a memory corruption vulnerability in the Nintendo Switch's JavaScript engine. The exploit leverages a use-after-free (UAF) condition to achieve arbitrary memory read/write, demonstrating a potential jailbreak path.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Racy
Target: Nintendo Switch (WebKit/JavaScript engine)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to a vulnerable Nintendo Switch browser environment · Ability to execute arbitrary JavaScript
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WRITEUP 9 stars
by viai957 · client-side
https://github.com/viai957/webkit-vulnerability

This repository contains a detailed technical writeup on CVE-2016-4622, a JavaScriptCore vulnerability in WebKit. It includes an in-depth analysis of the bug, exploitation techniques, and engine internals, but does not provide functional exploit code.

Classification
Writeup 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: WebKit (JavaScriptCore) in Safari 9.1.1 and iOS 9.3
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Victim interaction (clicking a malicious link) · Vulnerable WebKit version
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec STUB 3 stars
by Mimoja · client-side
https://github.com/Mimoja/CVE-2016-4657-NintendoSwitch

The repository contains only a minimal README with no exploit code or technical details. It mentions CVE-2016-4657 for Nintendo Switch but provides no functional PoC or analysis.

Classification
Stub 90%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: Nintendo Switch (unspecified version)
No auth needed
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →

References (8)

Core 8
Core References
Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/44836/
Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/92653
Release Notes, Vendor Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://support.apple.com/HT207107
Mailing List, Vendor Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_apple
http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2016/Aug/msg00000.html
Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1036694

Scores

CVSS v3 8.8
EPSS 0.7943
EPSS Percentile 99.1%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation active
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

CISA KEV 2022-05-24
VulnCheck KEV 2016-08-15
InTheWild.io 2016-08-15
ENISA EUVD EUVD-2016-5643
Ransomware Use Confirmed
CWE
CWE-787
Status published
Products (1)
apple/iphone_os < 9.3.5
Published Aug 25, 2016
KEV Added May 24, 2022
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026