CVE-2023-28212 is a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Apple macOS systems prior to the Ventura 13.3 update. The flaw arises from improper memory handling within the kernel, allowing a malicious application to cause unexpected system termination (crashes) or potentially write arbitrary data into kernel memory. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-120, which pertains to classic buffer overflow issues where bounds checking is insufficient or absent. Exploitation requires local access with no privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as running a crafted application. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have access to the system to execute the exploit. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as kernel memory corruption can enable privilege escalation, arbitrary code execution at the kernel level, or denial of service through system crashes. Apple addressed this vulnerability by improving memory handling in macOS Ventura 13.3, mitigating the risk by preventing buffer overflow conditions. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, but the high CVSS score of 7.8 reflects the significant risk posed by this vulnerability if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk especially in environments where macOS devices are widely used, such as creative industries, software development, and executive workstations. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized kernel-level code execution, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt critical operations by causing system crashes. This could result in data breaches, loss of intellectual property, and operational downtime. Given the local attack vector, insider threats or compromised user accounts could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. Additionally, organizations relying on macOS for endpoint security or network access control could see their defenses undermined. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection requirements under GDPR, as exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access and regulatory penalties.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS devices to Ventura 13.3 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized or untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual local privilege escalation attempts or kernel-level anomalies. User training should emphasize the risks of running untrusted software, especially from unknown sources. Network segmentation can limit the spread or impact of compromised devices. Additionally, organizations should audit and restrict local user permissions to minimize the number of users capable of executing potentially malicious applications. Regular vulnerability scanning and compliance checks should verify that all macOS systems remain up to date.