CVE-2023-32377
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in macOS that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Attackers could gain complete control over affected systems. All macOS systems before Sonoma 14 are vulnerable.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, and control the entire system.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious app gains kernel privileges to bypass security controls and access protected resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and security controls, though kernel access remains highly dangerous.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or convincing user to run malicious application. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213940
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Sonoma 14 or later 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macosRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent execution of untrusted software
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is earlier than 14, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 14 or later in System Settings > General > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation in security logs
- Unusual process spawning with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process where parent_process_name contains "kernel" and process_name not in (approved_process_list)