CVE-2023-42926
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes memory corruption vulnerabilities in macOS's AppleGVA framework that could allow arbitrary code execution when processing malicious files. Attackers could exploit these to crash applications or take control of affected systems. All macOS users running vulnerable versions are potentially affected.
💻 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
Full system compromise with attacker gaining root privileges and persistent access
Likely Case
Application crashes leading to denial of service or limited code execution in user context
If Mitigated
Application termination without code execution if exploit fails or is blocked
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires user to open malicious file; public PoC available in disclosure references
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sonoma 14.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214036
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install macOS Sonoma 14.2 or later 5. Restart when prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file processing
allLimit processing of untrusted files through AppleGVA framework
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block unknown applications
- Use endpoint protection to detect and block malicious file processing
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if earlier than 14.2, system is vulnerableCheck Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 14.2 or later after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes related to AppleGVA
- Unexpected process termination
Network Indicators:
- File downloads followed by application crashes
SIEM Query:
source="macos" AND (event="crash" OR event="termination") AND process="AppleGVA"🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/176535/macOS-AppleGVA-Memory-Handling.html
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/9
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214036
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/176535/macOS-AppleGVA-Memory-Handling.html
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Dec/9
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214036
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214036
