CVE-2023-28214 is a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Ventura 13.3. The flaw arises from improper memory handling that allows a malicious application to cause unexpected system termination (crashes) or potentially write to kernel memory. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-120, which involves classic buffer overflow issues where a program writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, leading to memory corruption. Exploitation requires local access with low attack complexity and no privileges, but does require user interaction to trigger the vulnerability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to full system compromise, data leakage, or persistent malware installation. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability’s nature and the criticality of kernel memory write capabilities make it a significant threat. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to Ventura 13.3, implying that all users running older versions are at risk until patched. The fix involves improved memory handling to prevent buffer overflow conditions.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially for enterprises and government agencies that rely on macOS systems for daily operations. The ability to write to kernel memory can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. This could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or operational downtime. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, which often handle sensitive personal and financial data, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious apps, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive patching, but the high severity score indicates that exploitation could have severe consequences if weaponized. The impact extends to endpoint security, incident response, and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR, as a breach could trigger regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

European organizations should prioritize updating all macOS systems to Ventura 13.3 or later to apply the official patch that addresses this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to prevent installation or execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting this flaw. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be tuned to monitor for unusual kernel-level activity or system crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of installing unknown software and recognizing phishing attempts that might deliver malicious payloads. Network segmentation can limit the lateral movement of an attacker who gains kernel-level access on a compromised device. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory will help identify unpatched macOS devices. Finally, organizations should review and enhance their incident response plans to quickly contain and remediate potential exploitation scenarios involving kernel memory corruption.