CVE-2023-42908 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 • 05/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42908 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting macOS Sonoma 14.2 and earlier versions. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the operating system's file processing components, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit system stability and security. The vulnerability manifests when the system encounters specially crafted files designed to trigger memory corruption during normal processing operations. Security researchers have classified this as a high-severity issue due to its potential for arbitrary code execution, which could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. The memory corruption vulnerabilities typically occur in the kernel-level file handling routines where insufficient bounds checking and validation allow malicious inputs to overwrite critical memory regions.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2023-42908 follows established patterns of memory corruption attacks that leverage buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the operating system's file processing pipeline. Attackers can craft malicious files that, when opened or processed by vulnerable applications, trigger memory corruption that leads to application crashes or more severe system instability. The flaw's impact extends beyond simple application termination to potentially enabling full system compromise through arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios that are commonly exploited in modern operating system vulnerabilities. The attack surface includes various file types and processing contexts where the operating system handles user input without adequate sanitization, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on macOS systems, particularly in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with potentially malicious files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. System administrators face the challenge of maintaining security while ensuring operational continuity, as the vulnerability could be exploited through social engineering campaigns targeting end users. The risk assessment indicates that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. Organizations may experience service disruptions due to unexpected application crashes or system instability, while the potential for arbitrary code execution creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running macOS versions prior to 14.2, where the improved input validation mechanisms have not yet been implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42908 primarily focus on immediate system updates and enhanced security monitoring. Organizations should prioritize deployment of macOS Sonoma 14.2 updates across all affected systems to address the root cause of the memory corruption issues. Security teams should implement enhanced file validation procedures and content filtering mechanisms to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious files. Network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing solutions for file processing applications and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter usage should be monitored closely, as exploitation may involve command execution through compromised processes. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential memory corruption vulnerabilities and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address memory corruption exploits. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary file processing capabilities and implementing strict access controls can further reduce the attack surface and potential impact of exploitation attempts.