CVE-2023-40401 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The issue was addressed with additional permissions checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.6.1. An attacker may be able to access passkeys without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40401 represents a critical authorization flaw within macOS Ventura 13.6.1 that could potentially allow unauthorized access to passkeys without proper authentication. This security gap specifically affects the system's permission validation mechanisms, creating a scenario where malicious actors might exploit insufficient access controls to gain unauthorized entry to sensitive authentication credentials.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate permission checks that should have been enforced during passkey access operations. Passkeys serve as a critical component of modern authentication systems, functioning as secure alternatives to traditional passwords while maintaining strong cryptographic protection. When permission validation fails, attackers can bypass the normal authentication workflow and directly access stored passkeys, undermining the fundamental security model that protects these credentials.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of several cybersecurity domains including identity management, access control, and credential protection. The flaw essentially creates a path of least resistance for attackers who can exploit the missing authorization checks to access passkeys without presenting proper authentication factors. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, potentially enabling broader system compromise through the exploitation of passkeys that may be linked to multiple services and accounts.
The operational implications of CVE-2023-40401 are particularly concerning given that passkeys typically serve as primary authentication mechanisms for accessing sensitive systems and applications. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could potentially gain access to enterprise networks, cloud services, and personal accounts that rely on passkey authentication. This scenario aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre ATT&CK framework under credential access techniques, specifically targeting the exploitation of weak authentication controls.
The remediation for this vulnerability was addressed through the release of macOS Ventura 13.6.1, which implements additional permissions checks to prevent unauthorized access to passkey storage. This fix demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and validates the need for continuous security updates in operating system environments. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this update to mitigate the risk of unauthorized passkey access.
From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability relates to several industry standards including those outlined in the CWE database under access control weaknesses. The flaw represents a specific instance of insufficient authorization checks that could lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when conducting risk assessments and implementing security controls around authentication systems, particularly in environments where passkey-based authentication is deployed.
The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing during software development cycles, particularly around authentication and authorization mechanisms. The fact that this issue required a specific patch suggests that standard testing procedures may not have adequately identified the permission validation gap, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security validation of access control systems. Organizations should ensure their security monitoring and incident response procedures include detection capabilities for unauthorized access attempts to authentication credentials.