CVE-2023-23495 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple macOS related to a permissions issue that results in insufficient redaction of sensitive user data. This flaw allows an application, potentially without explicit user consent or elevated privileges, to access sensitive information that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of data redaction mechanisms within the operating system, which failed to adequately mask or restrict access to confidential user data. Apple addressed this issue in macOS Sonoma 14 by improving the redaction process to ensure sensitive information is properly concealed from unauthorized applications. Although the affected versions are unspecified, it is understood that all macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14 are vulnerable. There are no reports of active exploitation in the wild, indicating that the vulnerability is either newly discovered or not yet weaponized by threat actors. The absence of a CVSS score requires an assessment based on the nature of the vulnerability: it impacts confidentiality significantly, as sensitive user data could be exposed. The exploitability is moderate since it depends on app permissions and system version, and does not require user interaction, increasing risk. The scope includes all macOS users running vulnerable versions, which encompasses a broad user base including enterprise environments. The vulnerability does not appear to require authentication beyond app installation, which may be constrained by macOS security policies but still presents a risk if malicious or compromised apps are present. Overall, this vulnerability represents a privacy risk and potential vector for data leakage on Apple macOS devices.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-23495 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data stored or processed on macOS devices. This could include personal identifiable information (PII), corporate confidential data, or other sensitive content, leading to privacy violations and compliance issues under regulations such as GDPR. Organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, legal, and government are particularly at risk due to the sensitivity of their data. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious apps or insiders to exfiltrate data without detection, undermining trust and potentially causing reputational damage. Additionally, data breaches resulting from this vulnerability could trigger regulatory penalties and legal liabilities. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. The impact on system integrity and availability appears limited, focusing primarily on confidentiality. European organizations with a significant macOS user base must prioritize patching to prevent exploitation and data leakage.

To mitigate CVE-2023-23495, European organizations should: 1) Immediately update all macOS devices to macOS Sonoma 14 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2) Conduct an audit of installed applications to identify and remove or restrict apps that request excessive permissions or are untrusted. 3) Implement strict application whitelisting and use Apple’s Endpoint Security framework to monitor app behavior and data access patterns. 4) Enforce least privilege principles for app permissions, limiting access to sensitive data wherever possible. 5) Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and encourage the use of apps from trusted sources only. 6) Monitor system logs and use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect unusual access to sensitive data. 7) Review and update internal policies regarding macOS device management and data protection to incorporate this vulnerability’s context. 8) Coordinate with legal and compliance teams to ensure any data exposure incidents are reported according to GDPR and other relevant regulations. These steps go beyond generic patching by emphasizing proactive app management and monitoring to reduce attack surface and detect potential exploitation.