CVE-2023-42918
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a sandbox escape vulnerability in macOS where a sandboxed process can bypass security restrictions. It affects macOS systems before Sonoma 14, potentially allowing malicious applications to access resources they shouldn't. The vulnerability requires local access or a malicious application to exploit.
💻 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
A malicious application could escape macOS sandbox restrictions, potentially accessing sensitive user data, system files, or performing unauthorized actions with elevated privileges.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could bypass sandbox restrictions to access files or resources they shouldn't, potentially leading to data theft or further system compromise.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to already-installed malicious applications attempting to escalate privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory.
🛠️ 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 of untrusted applications to prevent potential exploitation
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of untrusted software
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for sandbox escape attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if version is earlier than 14.0, the system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 14.0 or later after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process behavior from sandboxed applications
- Failed sandbox policy violations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- None specific - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process where (parent_process_name contains "sandbox" OR process_name contains "sandbox") AND (event_type = "process_access" OR event_type = "file_access")