CVE-2023-41987 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2024
This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14. An app may be able to access sensitive user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a significant privacy and data protection concern within the macOS operating system ecosystem where an application could potentially access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The issue was specifically addressed in macOS Sonoma version 14 through enhanced validation mechanisms and improved access controls. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control or privilege escalation, which is commonly categorized as CWE-284 Access Control Issues or CWE-250 Improper Privilege Management within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw likely stems from insufficient validation of application permissions or inadequate sandboxing mechanisms that should normally prevent unauthorized data access between applications and user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability suggests a weakness in the macOS security model where applications may have been able to bypass normal access restrictions to sensitive user data. This could involve improper handling of file system permissions, insufficient validation of application credentials, or flawed inter-process communication mechanisms that allow one application to access resources it should not be permitted to access. The issue demonstrates a failure in the operating system's capability to enforce mandatory access controls, which is a fundamental requirement for maintaining user privacy and data integrity. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability could enable information disclosure, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to personal information stored on the system. The remediation approach involved strengthening the validation checks that occur during application execution, ensuring that proper access controls are enforced before any sensitive data operations are permitted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access issues to encompass broader security implications for macOS users and organizations relying on the platform. Users may have experienced unauthorized access to their personal files, communications, or other sensitive information without their knowledge or consent. The vulnerability could have been exploited by malicious applications that were granted legitimate permissions but then abused those privileges to access additional data beyond their intended scope. Organizations using macOS systems would have faced increased risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties. The fix implemented in macOS Sonoma 14 addresses this through enhanced validation mechanisms that likely include stricter enforcement of application sandboxing, improved permission checking routines, and more robust access control enforcement. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation and information gathering techniques, where adversaries attempt to access resources they should not have access to. The remediation approach represents a defensive security measure that strengthens the operating system's ability to enforce proper access controls and prevents unauthorized data access through improved validation processes and enhanced security boundaries.
The vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure operating system environments where applications must be properly isolated from each other and from sensitive user data. The fix demonstrates the importance of continuous security improvements and the need for robust validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to user information. This issue underscores the critical role of proper access control implementation in modern operating systems and the potential consequences of inadequate security measures. The resolution through enhanced checks represents a proactive approach to addressing security weaknesses and maintaining user trust in the platform's ability to protect sensitive information.