CVE-2023-41232 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2023
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, macOS Ventura 13.6, iOS 16.7 and iPadOS 16.7. An app may be able to disclose kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that exists within Apple's operating system kernels, specifically affecting multiple versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within kernel memory management routines, allowing malicious applications to potentially access memory regions beyond their allocated boundaries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they operate at the kernel level where applications normally have no direct access to system memory. The flaw enables an attacker-controlled application to disclose kernel memory contents, which could reveal sensitive system information including cryptographic keys, memory addresses, and other confidential data that could be exploited for privilege escalation or further system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues that are commonly classified as CWE-129, which represents "Improper Validation of Array Index." The root cause lies in the kernel's failure to properly validate memory access boundaries when processing data structures or buffer operations. This allows a malicious application to craft specific inputs that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, potentially exposing kernel memory to unauthorized access. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an application to be running with sufficient privileges to interact with kernel memory, typically through legitimate system interfaces or APIs that are improperly validated.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users of affected systems as it provides a potential pathway for information disclosure attacks that could lead to more severe compromises. The impact extends beyond simple memory disclosure since kernel memory often contains critical system information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. Attackers could potentially use the disclosed information to bypass security mechanisms, identify system configurations, or develop more sophisticated exploits targeting other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, making it particularly concerning from a security management standpoint.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves applying the security updates released by Apple as part of the respective operating system versions mentioned in the advisory. Users should immediately update to macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, macOS Ventura 13.6, iOS 16.7 and iPadOS 16.7 to remediate the issue. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these updates across all managed devices. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for suspicious application behavior that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The fix addresses the underlying bounds checking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized kernel memory access, aligning with security best practices for memory safety and kernel protection. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust memory validation in kernel space operations and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of system-level components. The remediation process should be treated as a critical security measure rather than a routine update, given the potential for privilege escalation and information disclosure that could result from exploitation.