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Apple Products Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution – PATCH NOW – TLP: CLEAR

 

TLP:CLEAR
MS-ISAC CYBERSECURITY ADVISORY

MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:
2023-110

DATE(S) ISSUED:
09/27/2023

SUBJECT:
Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apple Products Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution

OVERVIEW:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Apple products, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution.

  • macOS Sonoma is the current major release of macOS
  • Safari is a web browser developed by Apple

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:
Apple is aware of a report that CVE-2023-41993, may have been exploited in the wild against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • macOS Sonoma prior to 14
  • Safari prior to 17

 

RISK:
Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: Medium

 

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: Medium

Home users: Low

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Apple products, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Details of the vulnerabilities are as follows:

TacticExecution (TA0002):
Technique: Exploitation for Client Execution (T1203):

  • Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.  (CVE-2023-39434, CVE-2023-41074, CVE-2023-41993, CVE-2023-35074, CVE-2023-41993)
  • An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.  (CVE-2023-32377, CVE-2023-38615, CVE-2023-40432, CVE-2023-41995, CVE-2023-41984, CVE-2023-41063)
  • A remote user may cause an unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution.  (CVE-2023-40400)
  • An attacker with JavaScript execution may be able to execute arbitrary code.  (CVE-2023-40451)
  • An attacker in physical proximity can cause a limited out of bounds write.  (CVE-2023-35984)

Lower severity vulnerabilities affecting these products include the following:

  • A remote attacker may be able to break out of Web Content sandbox.  (CVE-2023-40448)    
  • A remote attacker may be able to cause a denial-of-service.  (CVE-2023-40407)    
  • A sandboxed process may be able to circumvent sandbox restrictions.  (CVE-2023-38586, CVE-2023-40455)   
  • A shortcut may output sensitive user data without consent.  (CVE-2023-40541)    
  • A user may be able to view restricted content from the lock screen.  (CVE-2023-37448)    
  • An app may be able to access a user’s Photos Library.  (CVE-2023-40434)    
  • An app may be able to access calendar data saved to a temporary directory.  (CVE-2023-29497)    
  • An app may be able to access contacts.  (CVE-2023-40395)    
  • An app may be able to access Notes attachments.  (CVE-2023-40386)    
  • An app may be able to access protected user data.  (CVE-2023-41073)    
  • An app may be able to access sensitive data logged when a user shares a link.  (CVE-2023-41070)    
  • An app may be able to access sensitive user data.  (CVE-2023-40402, CVE-2023-23495, CVE-2023-40429)  
  • An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.  (CVE-2023-32361, CVE-2023-40424)   
  • An app may be able to bypass certain Privacy preferences.  (CVE-2023-40426, CVE-2023-41078)   
  • An app may be able to bypass Privacy preferences.  (CVE-2023-41980, CVE-2023-41079)   
  • An app may be able to cause a denial-of-service.  (CVE-2023-40422)    
  • An app may be able to delete files for which it does not have permission.  (CVE-2023-40454)    
  • An app may be able to disclose kernel memory.  (CVE-2023-40399, CVE-2023-40410, CVE-2023-40391)  
  • An app may be able to gain elevated privileges.  (CVE-2023-32396)    
  • An app may be able to identify what other apps a user has installed.  (CVE-2023-35990)    
  • An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system.  (CVE-2023-41986, CVE-2023-41979)   
  • An app may be able to observe unprotected user data.  (CVE-2023-32421)    
  • An app may be able to overwrite arbitrary files.  (CVE-2023-40452)    
  • An app may be able to read arbitrary files.  (CVE-2023-40406, CVE-2023-41968)   
  • An app may be able to read sensitive location information.  (CVE-2023-40384, CVE-2023-41065, CVE-2023-40427)  
  • An app may be able to unexpectedly leak a user’s credentials from secure text fields.  (CVE-2023-41066)    
  • An app may bypass Gatekeeper checks.  (CVE-2023-41067, CVE-2023-40450)   
  • An app may fail to enforce App Transport Security.  (CVE-2023-38596)        
  • An attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or read kernel memory.  (CVE-2023-40436)    
  • An attacker that has already achieved kernel code execution may be able to bypass kernel memory mitigations.  (CVE-2023-41981)    
  • Processing web content may disclose sensitive information.  (CVE-2023-40403, CVE-2023-39233)   
  • Processing web content may lead to a denial-of-service.  (CVE-2023-40420, CVE-2023-40441)   
  • Safari may save photos to an unprotected location.  (CVE-2023-40388)    
  • Visiting a website that frames malicious content may lead to UI spoofing.  (CVE-2023-40417)                             

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Apply the stable channel update provided by Apple to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing. (M1051: Update Software)
    • Safeguard 7.1 : Establish and Maintain a Vulnerability Management Process: Establish and maintain a documented vulnerability management process for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
    • Safeguard 7.2 : Establish and Maintain a Remediation Process: Establish and maintain a risk-based remediation strategy documented in a remediation process, with monthly, or more frequent, reviews.
    • Safeguard 7.6 : Perform Automated Vulnerability Scans of Externally-Exposed Enterprise Assets: Perform automated vulnerability scans of externally-exposed enterprise assets using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool. Perform scans on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
    • Safeguard 7.7 : Remediate Detected Vulnerabilities: Remediate detected vulnerabilities in software through processes and tooling on a monthly, or more frequent, basis, based on the remediation process.
    • Safeguard 16.13 Conduct Application Penetration Testing: Conduct application penetration testing. For critical applications, authenticated penetration testing is better suited to finding business logic vulnerabilities than code scanning and automated security testing. Penetration testing relies on the skill of the tester to manually manipulate an application as an authenticated and unauthenticated user.
    • Safeguard 18.1 : Establish and Maintain a Penetration Testing Program: Establish and maintain a penetration testing program appropriate to the size, complexity, and maturity of the enterprise. Penetration testing program characteristics include scope, such as network, web application, Application Programming Interface (API), hosted services, and physical premise controls; frequency; limitations, such as acceptable hours, and excluded attack types; point of contact information; remediation, such as how findings will be routed internally; and retrospective requirements.
    • Safeguard 18.2 : Perform Periodic External Penetration Tests: Perform periodic external penetration tests based on program requirements, no less than annually. External penetration testing must include enterprise and environmental reconnaissance to detect exploitable information. Penetration testing requires specialized skills and experience and must be conducted through a qualified party. The testing may be clear box or opaque box.
    • Safeguard 18.3 : Remediate Penetration Test Findings: Remediate penetration test findings based on the enterprise’s policy for remediation scope and prioritization.
  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services. Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack. (M1026: Privileged Account Management)
    • Safeguard 4.7: Manage Default Accounts on Enterprise Assets and Software: Manage default accounts on enterprise assets and software, such as root, administrator, and other pre-configured vendor accounts. Example implementations can include: disabling default accounts or making them unusable.
    • Safeguard 5.4: Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts: Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and productivity suite use, from the user’s primary, non-privileged account.
  • Restrict use of certain websites, block downloads/attachments, block Javascript, restrict browser extensions, etc. (M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content)
    • Safeguard 2.3: Address Unauthorized Software: Ensure that unauthorized software is either removed from use on enterprise assets or receives a documented exception. Review monthly, or more frequently.
    • Safeguard 2.7: Allowlist Authorized Scripts: Use technical controls, such as digital signatures and version control, to ensure that only authorized scripts, such as specific .ps1, .py, etc., files, are allowed to execute. Block unauthorized scripts from executing. Reassessbi-annually, or more frequently.
    • Safeguard 9.3: Maintain and Enforce Network-Based URL Filters: Enforce and update network-based URL filters to limit an enterprise asset from connecting to potentially malicious or unapproved websites. Example implementations include category-based filtering, reputation-based filtering, or through the use of block lists. Enforce filters for all enterprise assets.
    • Safeguard 9.6: Block Unnecessary File Types: Block unnecessary file types attempting to enter the enterprise’s email gateway.
  • Use capabilities to detect and block conditions that may lead to or be indicative of a software exploit occurring. (M1050: Exploit Protection)
    • Safeguard 10.5: Enable Anti-Exploitation Features: Enable anti-exploitation features on enterprise assets and software, where possible, such as Microsoft® Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Windows® Defender Exploit Guard (WDEG), or Apple® System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper™.
  • Train users to be aware of access or manipulation attempts by an adversary to reduce the risk of successful spear phishing, social engineering, and other techniques that involve user interaction. (M1017: User Training)
    • Safeguard 14.1: Establish and Maintain a Security Awareness Program: Establish and maintain a security awareness program. The purpose of a security awareness program is to educate the enterprise’s workforce on how to interact with enterprise assets and data in a secure manner. Conduct training at hire and, at a minimum, annually. Review and update content annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
    • Safeguard 14.6: Train Workforce Members on Recognizing and Reporting Security Incidents: Train workforce members to be able to recognize a potential incident and be able to report such an incident.

REFERENCES:

Apple: 
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213940
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213941

CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-39434
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41074
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41993
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-35074
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41993
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-32377
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-38615
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40432
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41995
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41984
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41063
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40400
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40451 
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-35984 
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40448     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40407     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-38586
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40455    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40541     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-37448     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40434     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-29497     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40395     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40386     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41073     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41070     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40402
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-23495
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40429   
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-32361
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40424    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40426
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41078    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41980
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41079    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40422     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40454     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40399
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40410
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40391   
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-32396     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-35990     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41986
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41979    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-32421     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40452     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40406
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41968    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40384
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41065
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40427   
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41066     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41067
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40450    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-38596         
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40436     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-41981     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40403
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-39233    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40420
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40441    
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40388     
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-40417
 

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