CVE-2023-42887 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.6.4, macOS Sonoma 14.2. An app may be able to read arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in Apple's macOS operating system that allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and access arbitrary files on the system. The issue stems from insufficient sandbox controls that permit unauthorized file access through improper privilege boundaries. The vulnerability affects macOS Ventura 13.6.3 and earlier versions, as well as macOS Sonoma 14.1 and earlier releases, making it a widespread concern across multiple operating system versions. The flaw specifically relates to how the system enforces sandbox restrictions for applications, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data reading operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a breakdown in the sandboxing mechanism that normally isolates applications from each other and from system resources. Applications that should be restricted from accessing certain file paths or system components can potentially read files they shouldn't have access to, violating fundamental security principles of application isolation. This issue manifests as an access control weakness that allows malicious actors to circumvent the intended security boundaries that protect user data and system integrity. The sandbox restrictions that should prevent such unauthorized access are insufficiently enforced, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, credential theft, and system reconnaissance. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user information, personal documents, system configuration files, and potentially even authentication credentials stored in protected locations. The vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications downloaded from untrusted sources or through social engineering techniques that trick users into installing compromised software. This creates a significant risk for organizations and individuals who rely on macOS for sensitive operations and data handling.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under the broader category of sandbox escape techniques that align with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The issue demonstrates a weakness in the operating system's security model that could enable attackers to move laterally within a compromised system or access data that should remain protected. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and ensure all macOS systems are updated to the patched versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and the potential risks associated with delayed patch deployment in enterprise environments.
The fix for CVE-2023-42887 addresses the root cause by strengthening the sandbox restrictions and implementing more robust access controls for applications. Apple's update includes enhanced validation mechanisms that properly enforce the boundaries between applications and system resources, preventing unauthorized file access operations. The mitigation strategy involves updating to macOS Ventura 13.6.4 or macOS Sonoma 14.2, which contain the necessary security patches to resolve the sandboxing issues. Security professionals should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected systems and implement additional security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and the potential consequences of insufficient sandbox enforcement in modern operating systems.