CVE-2023-32424 is a vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and iPadOS operating systems, specifically related to kernel memory mitigations. The vulnerability allows an attacker who has already achieved kernel code execution privileges to bypass existing kernel memory protection mechanisms. Kernel memory mitigations are security features designed to prevent exploitation of kernel-level vulnerabilities by making it harder for attackers to manipulate or execute arbitrary code in kernel memory. This vulnerability does not grant initial kernel code execution but rather weakens the effectiveness of memory protections once kernel code execution is already achieved. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved memory handling techniques and was fixed in iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and watchOS 9.4. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with the vector indicating that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requires user interaction (UI:R). The impact is on integrity (I:H) with no confidentiality or availability impact. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and the affected versions are unspecified but presumably all versions prior to 16.4. This vulnerability is significant in that it undermines kernel memory protections, potentially facilitating more persistent or sophisticated kernel-level attacks once an attacker has gained initial kernel code execution. However, it does not itself provide a direct method for privilege escalation or remote compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-32424 is primarily relevant to those using Apple iOS and iPadOS devices, especially in environments where devices are used for sensitive operations or contain critical data. Since the vulnerability requires prior kernel code execution, it is unlikely to be the initial attack vector but could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks to maintain persistence or evade detection on compromised devices. This could affect organizations relying on iPhones or iPads for secure communications, mobile workforce operations, or sensitive data access. The integrity of kernel memory is critical for device security; bypassing mitigations could allow attackers to manipulate kernel behavior, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data manipulation. However, the lack of confidentiality and availability impact reduces the risk of data leakage or denial of service directly from this vulnerability. Given the medium severity and the requirement for local access and user interaction, the threat is more relevant in targeted attacks or insider threat scenarios rather than widespread remote exploitation. European organizations in sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that use Apple mobile devices should be particularly attentive to this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2023-32424, European organizations should prioritize updating all iOS and iPadOS devices to version 16.4 or later, as Apple has addressed the vulnerability through improved memory handling in these releases. Organizations should enforce mobile device management (MDM) policies that mandate timely OS updates and patch compliance. Additionally, restricting physical access to devices and limiting the installation of untrusted applications can reduce the risk of attackers achieving initial kernel code execution. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity may help detect exploitation attempts. User training to avoid social engineering or phishing attacks that could lead to initial compromise is also important, given the requirement for user interaction. For high-security environments, consider implementing hardware-based security features such as Apple’s Secure Enclave and enabling all available security controls to harden devices. Regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on mobile device security can help identify potential attack vectors that could lead to kernel code execution.