CVE-2023-28213 is a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Apple macOS systems prior to the Ventura 13.3 update. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling that allows a malicious application to either cause an unexpected system termination (crash) or write arbitrary data into kernel memory. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-120, which involves classic buffer overflow issues where input data exceeds the allocated buffer size, leading to memory corruption. Exploiting this flaw requires local access with low complexity and no privileges, but does require user interaction (i.e., running a malicious app). The impact of successful exploitation is significant, as it can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system by allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code at the kernel level, potentially leading to privilege escalation, persistent compromise, or system instability. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved memory handling in macOS Ventura 13.3, which mitigates the risk by correcting the buffer overflow condition. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a critical concern for users running vulnerable macOS versions.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk especially in environments where macOS devices are widely used, such as creative industries, software development firms, and certain government or educational institutions. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized kernel-level code execution, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt critical operations. The ability to cause system crashes can also lead to denial of service conditions, impacting productivity and availability. Given the high integration of macOS in some sectors, a successful attack could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or operational downtime. Furthermore, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious apps, increasing the attack surface. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using macOS devices are particularly vulnerable if patching is delayed.

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 unauthorized or untrusted apps from executing. Endpoint protection solutions with behavioral analysis can help detect attempts to exploit kernel memory. User education is critical to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could deliver malicious apps. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory management will help identify unpatched macOS systems. Additionally, organizations should monitor for unusual system crashes or kernel errors that could indicate exploitation attempts. For high-security environments, consider deploying macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Endpoint Security Framework to reduce kernel attack surface.