CVE-2023-42874 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2023
This issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.2. Secure text fields may be displayed via the Accessibility Keyboard when using a physical keyboard.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-42874 represents a security concern within macOS Sonoma 14.2 that relates to the improper handling of secure text fields through accessibility features. This issue specifically impacts how sensitive information is managed when users interact with secure input fields while utilizing the Accessibility Keyboard functionality. The problem stems from inadequate state management that could potentially expose confidential data during keyboard interactions. The vulnerability was addressed through enhanced state management protocols that prevent unauthorized disclosure of secure text content when accessibility features are active.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the operating system manages the visibility state of secure text fields when the Accessibility Keyboard is engaged. Secure text fields are designed to mask input data such as passwords or PINs, but the improper state management allows these fields to be displayed in contexts where they should remain obscured. This creates a potential attack vector where malicious actors could observe sensitive information being entered through the accessibility keyboard interface. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of user interface state management and accessibility service integration, where the system fails to properly maintain the secure state of input fields during keyboard interactions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to capture sensitive information entered through secure text fields when users rely on accessibility keyboards for input. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure to potential credential theft, financial information disclosure, and privacy violations. Attackers could exploit this weakness by monitoring keyboard input sessions or by manipulating the accessibility keyboard environment to capture secure text data. The vulnerability particularly affects users who depend on accessibility features while entering sensitive information, creating a significant risk for individuals with disabilities who require these services. This issue aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and represents a failure in proper state management as outlined in CWE-697.
The mitigation strategy implemented in macOS Sonoma 14.2 focuses on strengthening state management protocols within the accessibility keyboard subsystem. The fix ensures that secure text fields maintain their masked state regardless of keyboard interaction contexts, preventing unauthorized display of sensitive data. This enhancement addresses the core issue by implementing proper state validation and ensuring that accessibility services respect the security properties of secure input fields. The solution follows established security practices for maintaining data confidentiality and aligns with the principle of least privilege in accessibility service implementations. Organizations should prioritize updating to macOS Sonoma 14.2 to address this vulnerability, particularly in environments where accessibility features are actively used alongside sensitive data entry operations. The fix demonstrates adherence to security best practices for managing state transitions in multi-service environments and represents a robust approach to preventing information disclosure through accessibility interface interactions.
This vulnerability type is categorized under the broader ATT&CK framework as part of the credential access category, specifically relating to the technique of credential dumping through accessibility services. The issue highlights the importance of considering accessibility features in security design and demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can create security risks when proper state management is not implemented. The resolution addresses both the immediate security concern and reinforces the need for comprehensive security testing of accessibility services to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.