CVE-2023-41064: 
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2023-41064 is a buffer overflow vulnerability discovered in Apple's ImageIO framework that affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS systems. The vulnerability was discovered and reported by The Citizen Lab at The University of Toronto's Munk School. This critical security flaw was disclosed on September 7, 2023, and affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 16.6.1, iPadOS 16.6.1, macOS Monterey 12.6.9, macOS Ventura 13.5.2, iOS 15.7.9, iPadOS 15.7.9, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.10 (Apple Advisory).

The vulnerability is a buffer overflow issue in the ImageIO framework, which allows applications to read and write most image file formats. The flaw occurs when processing maliciously crafted images, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability has been assigned 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).

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing a maliciously crafted image. This could potentially lead to complete system compromise. Apple has confirmed that this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, making it a zero-day vulnerability (HelpNet Security).

Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability across multiple operating systems. Users should immediately update to iOS 16.6.1, iPadOS 16.6.1, macOS Monterey 12.6.9, macOS Ventura 13.5.2, iOS 15.7.9, iPadOS 15.7.9, or macOS Big Sur 11.7.10 depending on their device. For users at high risk of targeted attacks, Apple recommends enabling Lockdown Mode (Apple Advisory).

The vulnerability has garnered significant attention in the security community, particularly due to its connection with the NSO Group's Pegasus spyware. Security researchers and experts have noted the critical nature of this vulnerability and its implications for user security. The discovery and reporting by Citizen Lab have been widely acknowledged in the industry (Tenable Blog).