CVE-2023-42849 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1, macOS Monterey 12.7.1, watchOS 10.1, iOS 16.7.2 and iPadOS 16.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.6.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1. An attacker that has already achieved kernel code execution may be able to bypass kernel memory mitigations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2023
CVE-2023-42849 represents a kernel memory handling vulnerability that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues that can potentially be exploited to bypass critical kernel memory mitigations. The issue was addressed through improved memory handling mechanisms within the kernel subsystem, indicating that the original implementation contained weaknesses in how memory was allocated, managed, or protected at the kernel level. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it specifically targets kernel memory protections that are fundamental to operating system security and are designed to prevent unauthorized access to critical system resources. According to the CVE description, an attacker who has already achieved kernel code execution can leverage this vulnerability to bypass existing kernel memory mitigations, suggesting that the flaw exists in the memory management controls that are supposed to protect against such attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common patterns found in kernel exploitation scenarios where memory handling flaws can undermine security controls designed to prevent privilege escalation or information disclosure. This type of vulnerability typically relates to improper memory deallocation, use-after-free conditions, or buffer overflows that can be manipulated to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory spaces. The fact that this vulnerability specifically affects kernel memory mitigations indicates that it likely targets controls such as kernel address space layout randomization kASLR, kernel stack canaries, or other memory protection mechanisms that are essential for preventing exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification suggests it may be related to CWE-129, which covers improper validation of array indices, or CWE-125, which deals with out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur in kernel memory management.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-42849 is significant for organizations and users who rely on Apple's ecosystem, particularly in environments where kernel-level attacks are a concern. This vulnerability can potentially allow attackers who have already gained kernel code execution to further compromise systems by bypassing memory protections that are supposed to prevent such attacks. The attack scenario implies that an adversary who has already achieved a foothold at the kernel level can use this vulnerability to escalate privileges or access protected memory regions, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. The vulnerability's presence across multiple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, and watchOS suggests a widespread impact that requires coordinated patching efforts across all affected systems.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their security maintenance protocols, particularly in environments where kernel-level attacks are a concern or where sensitive data is processed. The recommended mitigation approach involves updating all affected systems to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, including iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, macOS Monterey 12.7.1, watchOS 10.1, iOS 16.7.2, iPadOS 16.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.6.1, and macOS Sonoma 14.1. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, where attackers can use memory corruption vulnerabilities to bypass security controls and maintain persistent access to systems. The vulnerability's impact on kernel memory mitigations places it within the category of advanced persistent threat (APT) targets, as it can be leveraged to undermine the fundamental security protections that operating systems implement to prevent exploitation. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to kernel-level activity and ensure that their endpoint detection and response systems are capable of detecting anomalous kernel memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.