CVE-2023-40412
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory handling vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This means a malicious app could gain complete control over the affected device. The vulnerability affects macOS, tvOS, watchOS, iOS, and iPadOS before specific patched versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 What is this software?
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level access, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal all data, bypass security controls, and use the device as a foothold for lateral movement.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from userland to kernel, enabling data theft, surveillance, and installation of backdoors on compromised devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper app vetting and security controls prevent malicious apps from executing in the first place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target device. No public proof-of-concept has been identified in the provided references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.6, tvOS 17, macOS Monterey 12.7, watchOS 10, iOS 17, iPadOS 17
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213931
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install the available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
allOnly allow installation of apps from trusted sources like the App Store to reduce the risk of malicious apps.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized apps from executing.
- Isolate affected devices from critical network segments and monitor for suspicious activity.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the operating system version against the affected versions listed above.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version, tvOS: Settings > General > About > Version, watchOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the operating system version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Processes running with elevated privileges that shouldn't have them
- System integrity protection (SIP) violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Beaconing behavior from kernel-level processes
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="kernel_extension_load" OR event="privilege_escalation")🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/5
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/6
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/8
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/9
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213931
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213932
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213936
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213937
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213938
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/5
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/6
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/8
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/9
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213931
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213932
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213936
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213937
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213938
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213931
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213932
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213936
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213937
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213938
