CVE-2023-40454
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permissions bypass vulnerability in Apple operating systems where an application can delete files it shouldn't have access to. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This could allow malicious apps to delete critical system or user files.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 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
A malicious app could delete critical system files, user data, or configuration files leading to system instability, data loss, or complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in app stores could delete user data or configuration files, potentially leading to data loss or privacy violations.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact would be limited to files within the app's designated sandbox area.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target system. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Ventura 13.6, tvOS 17, iOS 16.7 and iPadOS 16.7, macOS Monterey 12.7, watchOS 10, iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma 14
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213982
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the official App Store and restrict installation of third-party apps.
Enable Gatekeeper
macosEnsure Gatekeeper is enabled on macOS to verify app signatures before execution.
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies and only allow apps from trusted sources
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and app restrictions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions list. On macOS: System Settings > General > About. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version is equal to or newer than the patched versions listed in the fix information.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected file deletion events in system logs
- App execution logs showing unauthorized file operations
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators as this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="file_deletion" OR event="unlink") AND process_name NOT IN ("authorized_processes_list")🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/3
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/4
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/5
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/6
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/8
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213927
- 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/en-us/HT213940
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/10
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/3
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/4
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/5
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/6
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Oct/8
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213927
- 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/en-us/HT213940
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213927
- 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
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213940
