CVE-2023-41992 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/21/2023
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 16.7 and iPadOS 16.7, macOS Ventura 13.6. A local attacker may be able to elevate their privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41992 represents a privilege escalation flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 16.7, and iPadOS 16.7. This issue demonstrates the critical nature of access control mechanisms within mobile and desktop operating systems where unauthorized users might gain elevated system privileges through exploitation of insufficient validation checks. The vulnerability was addressed through enhanced security measures implemented in the patched versions of Apple's operating systems. Security researchers have noted that Apple has acknowledged reports indicating active exploitation attempts against vulnerable versions of iOS prior to the release of iOS 16.7, highlighting the real-world threat landscape that this vulnerability presents to users and organizations relying on older system versions.
The technical implementation of this privilege escalation vulnerability likely stems from inadequate input validation or insufficient access control mechanisms within the operating system's kernel or system services. This flaw allows local attackers to manipulate system processes or files that should normally be restricted to administrative users or system processes. The issue falls under the category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities which are classified as CWE-264 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing permissions, privileges, and access controls. Such vulnerabilities represent a fundamental security weakness where the system fails to properly enforce authorization checks that should prevent unauthorized elevation of privileges. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1068 which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' and represents a critical entry point for attackers seeking to gain deeper system access and control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Once elevated privileges are obtained, attackers can manipulate system files, install malicious software, modify security settings, or access sensitive user data. The fact that Apple has confirmed active exploitation attempts against older iOS versions indicates that threat actors have developed working exploits for this vulnerability. Organizations and individuals running affected versions of iOS, macOS Monterey, or macOS Ventura should immediately implement mitigation strategies including prompt system updates to the patched versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing layered security approaches that include network monitoring, endpoint detection and response capabilities, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-41992 centers on immediate deployment of the security updates provided by Apple. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected devices to macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 16.7, or macOS Ventura 13.6 to remediate the vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely patch management and the potential consequences of running outdated software versions in enterprise environments. Security teams should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining systems that may still be running vulnerable versions of Apple's operating systems and ensure comprehensive monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts against these systems.