CVE-2023-38615 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2023
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level privilege escalation flaw that existed in macOS systems prior to version 14 Sonoma. The issue stems from inadequate memory handling mechanisms within the operating system kernel, creating a pathway for malicious applications to gain unauthorized root-level access. The vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous intersection of memory management flaws and privilege boundaries, where improper memory allocation or deallocation routines could be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the highest possible system privileges. This type of flaw directly violates the fundamental security principle of privilege separation and allows sandboxed applications to break out of their restricted environments and assume complete control over the underlying system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through memory corruption techniques that leverage the improved memory handling mechanisms that were subsequently implemented to address the issue. Attackers could potentially manipulate memory structures to overwrite kernel code or data, effectively allowing them to execute malicious payloads with kernel privileges. This class of vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 which describes buffer overflow conditions in memory management, and represents a sophisticated attack vector that bypasses standard security controls including sandboxing and privilege separation mechanisms. The exploitability of such vulnerabilities is particularly concerning because they can be triggered through seemingly benign applications that appear to operate within normal user privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system. Once an attacker achieves kernel-level execution, they can bypass all security controls, modify system files, install persistent backdoors, and access all user data without detection. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can remain undetected for extended periods, as kernel-level modifications are extremely difficult to detect through standard endpoint protection mechanisms. The attack surface is broad since any application running on the system could potentially serve as an initial exploitation vector, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly execute malicious code through social engineering or supply chain attacks.
The remediation for this vulnerability required comprehensive kernel memory handling improvements that address the root cause of the memory corruption. Apple's implementation in macOS Sonoma 14 involves enhanced memory management routines, improved input validation, and strengthened kernel memory protection mechanisms. These changes align with the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for privilege escalation techniques, specifically addressing T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of macOS Sonoma updates and implement additional monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities. Security teams should also consider implementing kernel integrity monitoring solutions and regularly audit system configurations to ensure that memory protection features remain enabled and properly configured, as this vulnerability represents a classic example of how memory management flaws can create fundamental system compromise opportunities.