CVE-2023-28213 – This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerabil... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-28213?

CVE-2023-28213 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in macOS that allows an application to cause system crashes or write to kernel memory. It affects macOS systems before Ventura 13.3. The vulnerability could lead to system instability or potential privilege escalation.

📋 TL;DR

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

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

macOS

Versions: Versions before macOS Ventura 13.3

Operating Systems: macOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All default macOS configurations are vulnerable before patching. Requires application execution on target system.

📦 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 memory corruption leading to system compromise, privilege escalation, or persistent malware installation.

🟠

Likely Case

Application crashes, system instability, or denial of service through unexpected system termination.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited to application crashes if proper sandboxing and security controls are enforced.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW (requires local application execution, not directly exploitable over network)

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM (requires malicious application execution on target system)

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local application execution. No public exploit code available at time of advisory.

🛠️ 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 Sandboxing Enforcement

all

Enforce strict application sandboxing policies to limit potential damage

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict application installation to trusted sources only
Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from running

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check macOS version: if version is earlier than 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 panics
Unexpected system restarts
Application crash reports

Network Indicators:

None (local vulnerability)

SIEM Query:

source="macos" AND (event="kernel_panic" OR event="system_restart")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-28213

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 5, 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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