CVE-2023-42901 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2023
Multiple memory corruption issues were addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.2. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42901 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting macOS Sonoma 14.2 and earlier versions. This flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the operating system's file processing frameworks, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory handling weaknesses through specially crafted files. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have become increasingly prevalent in modern operating systems where complex file parsing and processing routines create numerous potential attack surfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper validation of file inputs during processing operations, which can result in buffer overflows, heap corruption, or other memory management errors. When an application attempts to parse a maliciously crafted file, the inadequate input sanitization allows attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that were not anticipated by the original software design. This type of flaw typically manifests when the system processes file formats that require extensive parsing logic, such as image files, document formats, or multimedia content where the parser does not properly bounds-check data structures or validate input lengths before processing.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2023-42901 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise through arbitrary code execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized control over affected systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, or further escalation within the network environment. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, both of which are common manifestations of improper input validation in memory management systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the issue affects core operating system components that process user files, making it difficult to contain the potential impact to specific applications.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious files designed to trigger the memory corruption during normal file processing operations. This typically involves creating files that contain malformed data structures or excessive input lengths that exceed the allocated memory buffers. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter techniques, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. Organizations should consider implementing multiple layers of defense including file validation, sandboxing mechanisms, and regular security updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in operating system development, particularly as modern systems process increasingly complex file formats and data structures from untrusted sources.
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining memory safety in complex software ecosystems where thousands of lines of code interact with various input sources. The fix provided in macOS Sonoma 14.2 addresses the root cause through enhanced input validation mechanisms that properly bounds-check file processing operations and implements stricter memory management controls. Security professionals should prioritize patching affected systems and monitor for exploitation attempts, as the combination of memory corruption and arbitrary code execution capabilities makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.