CVE-2023-42902 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-2023-42902 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting macOS Sonoma 14.2 systems. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the operating system's file processing frameworks, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit memory handling vulnerabilities through maliciously crafted files. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to process specially designed input that triggers buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions, potentially leading to system instability or unauthorized code execution. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in operating system contexts where file processing routines handle untrusted input from various sources including network downloads, email attachments, and user-initiated file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common memory corruption patterns classified under CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can leverage these memory corruption weaknesses to manipulate program execution flow through techniques such as return-oriented programming or direct code injection. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious file that, when processed by affected macOS components, causes memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious files through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or compromised software distributions.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-42902 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass potential system compromise and persistent access. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in unexpected application termination that may be used as a denial-of-service vector or as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The arbitrary code execution capability provides attackers with opportunities to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when combined with other attack methodologies. The vulnerability affects core macOS functionality including file processing, image rendering, and document handling components that are integral to system operation.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment to address CVE-2023-42902 through the macOS Sonoma 14.2 update, which implements improved input validation mechanisms to prevent the memory corruption conditions. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify potentially affected applications and processes that may be leveraged for exploitation. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect suspicious file processing activities and potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Security teams should implement additional protective measures including sandboxing of file processing applications, restricting user privileges for file operations, and deploying automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation. The mitigation strategy should also include user education programs to prevent accidental execution of malicious files and establishment of incident response procedures specifically tailored to address memory corruption vulnerabilities in operating system components.