CVE-2023-42947
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path handling vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows malicious applications to escape their sandbox restrictions. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Successful exploitation could allow an app to access files and resources outside its intended sandbox.
💻 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 →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 gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, user data, or other application data, potentially leading to data theft, privilege escalation, or system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources could access user documents, photos, or other personal data that should be protected by sandboxing.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to apps that bypass Apple's review process or come from untrusted sources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory publication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Monterey 12.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.6.3, iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, tvOS 17.2, watchOS 10.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214035
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install the available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allConfigure devices to only allow app installations from the App Store or trusted developers
For macOS: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
For iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > Device Management > Trust/Untrust developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which apps can run on devices
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious app installations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the current OS version against the patched versions listed in the advisoryCheck Version:
For macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, For iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the OS version matches or exceeds the patched versions: macOS Monterey 12.7.2+, macOS Ventura 13.6.3+, iOS 17.2+, iPadOS 17.2+, tvOS 17.2+, watchOS 10.2+, macOS Sonoma 14.2+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns from applications
- Sandbox violation logs
- Application crash reports indicating path handling issues
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
source="apple_sandbox_logs" AND (event="sandbox_violation" OR event="path_escape_attempt")🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214035
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214036
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214037
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214038
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214040
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214041
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214035
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214036
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214037
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214038
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214040
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214041
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214036
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214037
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214040
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214041
