CVE-2023-23514: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2023-23514 is a use-after-free vulnerability discovered in Apple's kernel component that was disclosed and patched in February 2023. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including macOS Ventura 13.3, macOS Monterey 12.6.4, iOS 16.3.1, iPadOS 16.3.1, macOS Ventura 13.2.1, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.5. The issue was discovered by Xinru Chi of Pangu Lab and Ned Williamson of Google Project Zero (Apple Support, CVE).

The vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in the kernel component that was addressed with improved memory management. The flaw received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H (NVD).

If exploited, this vulnerability allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially giving the attacker complete control over the affected device (Apple Support, CVE).

Apple has addressed this vulnerability by implementing improved memory management in security updates. Users should update to macOS Ventura 13.3, macOS Monterey 12.6.4, iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1, macOS Ventura 13.2.1, or macOS Big Sur 11.7.5, depending on their system (Apple Support).