CVE-2023-27969
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

CVE-2023-27969 is a use-after-free vulnerability discovered in Apple's kernel that was fixed in March 2023. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including macOS Ventura 13.3, iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4, tvOS 16.4, and watchOS 9.4. The vulnerability was discovered by Adam Doupé of ASU SEFCOM (Apple Support).

Technical details

The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free issue in the kernel that was addressed with improved memory management. It has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH) with the following vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-416 (Use After Free) (NVD).

Impact

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

Mitigation and workarounds

Apple has addressed this vulnerability by releasing security updates for affected operating systems. Users should update to macOS Ventura 13.3, iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4, tvOS 16.4, or watchOS 9.4 depending on their device (Apple Support).

Additional resources


SourceThis report was generated using AI

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