CVE-2023-32433 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2023
A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.6.8, iOS 15.7.8 and iPadOS 15.7.8, iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6, tvOS 16.6, macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, macOS Ventura 13.5, watchOS 9.6. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-32433 represents a critical use-after-free condition that emerged within Apple's operating system ecosystem, specifically affecting multiple versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS. This flaw resides in the memory management subsystem where improper handling of freed memory blocks creates opportunities for malicious code execution. The issue manifests when an application attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited to achieve kernel-level privileges, representing a significant escalation from user-space to system-level control.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management practices within Apple's operating system kernel components. When memory allocation and deallocation routines fail to properly track object references, applications can inadvertently access memory that has been freed but not yet reclaimed by the system. This condition creates a window of opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory contents or inject malicious code into the kernel space. The flaw operates under CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management, making it a well-documented class of vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful timing and memory manipulation techniques that align with advanced persistent threat methodologies.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-32433 extends beyond typical application-level security breaches, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise with kernel privileges. This level of access enables attackers to bypass all standard security mechanisms, modify system files, install persistent backdoors, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive data without detection. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS 15.7.8 and 16.6, iPadOS 15.7.8 and 16.6, macOS Monterey 12.6.8, Big Sur 11.7.9, Ventura 13.5, tvOS 16.6, and watchOS 9.6, creating a broad attack surface across Apple's ecosystem. The exploitation pattern aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and individuals with high-value targets.
Apple's remediation approach for this vulnerability focuses on enhanced memory management protocols and improved garbage collection mechanisms within the kernel. The security updates released for affected versions implement stricter memory tracking, additional validation checks, and enhanced deallocation procedures to prevent the conditions that lead to use-after-free scenarios. The patches address the root cause by ensuring proper reference counting and memory state management, preventing applications from accessing freed memory blocks. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected devices and platforms, as the vulnerability represents a critical threat to system integrity and data security. The mitigation strategy also includes monitoring for suspicious system behavior and implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts.