CVE-2023-27944
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a macOS sandbox escape vulnerability that allows malicious applications to break out of their security confinement. Affected users are those running macOS Big Sur, Monterey, or Ventura before the patched versions. The vulnerability could enable unauthorized access to system resources.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
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
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining root privileges, installing persistent malware, accessing sensitive user data, and pivoting to other systems.
Likely Case
Malicious app escaping sandbox to access files, system resources, or user data outside its intended permissions, potentially leading to data theft or further exploitation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper app vetting, network segmentation, and endpoint protection preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to install/run a malicious application. Apple has addressed this with a new entitlement mechanism.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.7.5, macOS Monterey 12.6.4, macOS Ventura 13.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213670
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart when prompted. 4. Verify update completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted applications using Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo csrutil enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted applications
- Use network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems and limit lateral movement
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About or run 'sw_vers' in terminalCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 11.7.5 or higher for Big Sur, 12.6.4 or higher for Monterey, or 13.3 or higher for Ventura📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application behavior in Console logs
- Sandbox violation entries in system logs
- Unexpected entitlement requests
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications
- Suspicious network activity from sandboxed apps
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event_type="sandbox_violation" OR process_name="*" AND entitlement="*")