CVE-2023-35993
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with kernel-level persistence, data theft, and ability to bypass all security controls
Likely Case
Malicious app gains root privileges, installs backdoors, and steals sensitive data
If Mitigated
Limited to sandboxed app execution if proper app vetting and isolation are in place
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires malicious app installation or code execution. No public exploit available as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Monterey 12.6.8, iOS 15.7.8, iPadOS 15.7.8, iOS 16.6, iPadOS 16.6, tvOS 16.6, macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, macOS Ventura 13.5, watchOS 9.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213841
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/tvOS. 2. Install available updates. 3. For macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Update. 4. Install all security updates. 5. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly allow installation of apps from trusted sources and App Store
Enable Full Disk Encryption
allProtect data at rest in case of compromise
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from critical networks and sensitive data
- Implement strict application allowlisting and monitor for suspicious app behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against patched versions listed in affected_systems.versionsCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; tvOS: Settings > General > About > Version; watchOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation
- Suspicious app behavior with kernel access
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="kernel_panic" OR event="privilege_escalation")🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213841
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213842
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213843
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213844
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213845
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213846
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213848
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213841
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213842
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213843
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213844
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213845
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213846
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213848
