CVE-2023-35993 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-2023-35993 represents a critical use-after-free flaw that exists within Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting macOS and iOS platforms. This issue stems from inadequate memory management practices that allow for improper handling of allocated memory regions, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited to achieve kernel-level privileges, which represents the highest level of system access and control. The flaw manifests when an application attempts to access memory that has already been freed by the system, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and security breaches. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses Use After Free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential for memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted applications that can trigger the use-after-free condition in kernel memory management components. When the system frees memory associated with kernel objects and subsequent code attempts to access that memory, attackers can manipulate the freed memory region to contain malicious data or code. This manipulation enables the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges that bypass normal security boundaries and access controls. The flaw affects multiple versions of Apple's operating systems including macOS Monterey 12.6.8, iOS 15.7.8, and iPadOS 15.7.8, as well as iOS 16.6, iPadOS 16.6, tvOS 16.6, macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, macOS Ventura 13.5, and watchOS 9.6. The attack vector typically involves a malicious application that can be installed on the target system and leverages the improper memory management to gain unauthorized kernel access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to perform extensive system compromise operations including persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and complete system control. The kernel-level privileges obtained through exploitation allow attackers to bypass standard security mechanisms such as sandboxing, code signing enforcement, and system integrity protection. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1547.001 which covers "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder" as attackers can use kernel-level access to establish persistent presence on compromised systems. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where attackers could gain complete control over macOS and iOS devices, potentially accessing sensitive corporate data and establishing footholds for further lateral movement.
Apple's remediation efforts for CVE-2023-35993 focused on implementing improved memory management controls and enhanced memory deallocation procedures within the kernel components. The security patches released with the updated operating system versions address the root cause by ensuring proper memory lifecycle management and preventing access to freed memory regions. System administrators and users should immediately apply the available updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in certain scenarios. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing memory safety issues through comprehensive memory management improvements, including enhanced validation checks and more robust deallocation processes. Organizations should monitor their device inventories to ensure all systems are updated to the patched versions, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in unpatched environments and represents a significant risk to system security and data integrity.