CVE-2023-28211 – This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerabil... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-28211?

CVE-2023-28211 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to cause system crashes or write to kernel memory. It affects macOS systems before Ventura 13.3. The vulnerability could lead to denial of service or potential privilege escalation.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in macOS that allows malicious applications to cause system crashes or write to kernel memory. It affects macOS systems before Ventura 13.3. The vulnerability could lead to denial of service or potential privilege escalation.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

macOS

Versions: All versions before macOS Ventura 13.3

Operating Systems: macOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects all standard macOS installations before the patched version

📦 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 →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Kernel-level code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation

🟠

Likely Case

System crashes (kernel panics) causing denial of service and potential data loss from unsaved work

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and least privilege principles in place

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local application execution, not directly exploitable over network

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Malicious or compromised applications could exploit this locally

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local application execution; buffer overflow exploitation typically requires specific conditions

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.3

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213670

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Ventura 13.3 or later 5. Restart when prompted

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Application Restriction

all

Restrict installation and execution of untrusted applications

Enhanced Monitoring

all

Monitor for unexpected system crashes or kernel panics

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent untrusted applications from running
Isolate vulnerable systems from critical networks and data

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check macOS version: if earlier than Ventura 13.3, system is vulnerable

Check Version:

sw_vers

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify macOS version is 13.3 or later in System Settings > General > About

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel panic logs in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
Unexpected system restarts

Network Indicators:

None - local exploitation only

SIEM Query:

source="macos" AND (event_type="kernel_panic" OR message="panic" OR message="system crash")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-28211

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-120

Published: September 6, 2023

Last Updated: May 2, 2025

🔗 References

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213670 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213670 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213670 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213670 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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