CVE-2023-37448 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2023
A lock screen issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14. A user may be able to view restricted content from the lock screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37448 represents a significant security flaw in macOS Sonoma 14 that affects the system's lock screen functionality and access controls. This issue stems from inadequate state management within the operating system's authentication mechanisms, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. The flaw specifically allows authenticated users to bypass certain lock screen restrictions and access content that should remain protected when the system is locked. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and could enable attackers to gain access to sensitive information that was intended to be protected by the system's security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of application states and memory management during the lock screen transition process. When a user locks their macOS device, the system should immediately enforce access controls and restrict visibility of protected content. However, the flawed state management allows certain applications or system processes to maintain accessibility to restricted data even when the screen is locked. This issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the operating system level rather than within individual applications, making it more pervasive and difficult to isolate. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 related to credentials in files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to access sensitive data such as personal documents, messages, emails, or other confidential information that users expect to be protected when their devices are locked. This poses significant risks to both individual privacy and enterprise security, particularly in environments where macOS devices may be used to access sensitive corporate data. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors who gain physical access to locked devices, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized access to private communications. Organizations with strict security policies may find that this vulnerability undermines their security posture and could result in compliance violations.
The mitigation for CVE-2023-37448 requires immediate deployment of macOS Sonoma 14 updates which address the underlying state management issues. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected devices and verify that the update has been successfully applied. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect any potential exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where devices are frequently accessed by multiple users or where security is paramount. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as full disk encryption, strong authentication mechanisms, and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface. The fix implemented in macOS Sonoma 14 demonstrates proper state management practices that ensure application contexts are properly terminated or restricted when transitioning to locked states, aligning with security best practices outlined in various information security frameworks and standards.