CVE-2023-27936
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to write to kernel memory or cause system crashes. It affects macOS, iOS, and iPadOS users running vulnerable versions. Successful exploitation could lead to kernel memory corruption or system termination.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel privilege escalation leading to full system compromise, arbitrary code execution at kernel level, or persistent rootkit installation.
Likely Case
Application crash, system instability, or denial of service through unexpected system termination.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and kernel protections, potentially only causing application crashes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code has been identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.3, iOS 15.7.4, iPadOS 15.7.4, macOS Monterey 12.6.4, macOS Big Sur 11.7.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213670
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install the available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM or parental controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Isolate vulnerable systems from critical network segments and limit user privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions list. On macOS: About This Mac > macOS version. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version (no CLI command)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify system version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected system reboots
- Application crash reports with kernel memory references
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local exploitation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "oops" OR "segmentation fault") AND process_name="kernel"🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213670
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213673
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213675
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213677
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213670
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213673
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213675
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213677
