CVE-2023-38607 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to modify printer settings due to improper handling of caches related to printer configuration. This vulnerability was addressed and fixed in macOS Sonoma 14 through improved cache management. The flaw enables a local attacker or malicious application to alter printer settings without requiring elevated privileges, although user interaction is necessary to trigger the exploit. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), no confidentiality impact (C:N), high integrity impact (I:H), and no availability impact (A:N). This means the vulnerability does not expose sensitive data or cause denial of service but can compromise the integrity of printer configurations, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in printing behavior or redirection of print jobs. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions of macOS prior to Sonoma 14, so organizations running older macOS versions remain at risk. The root cause relates to cache handling mechanisms within the printer management subsystem, which allowed unauthorized modification of printer settings by applications that should not have such permissions. This could be leveraged by malware or malicious insiders to disrupt printing operations or manipulate print outputs.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily threatens the integrity of printing operations on macOS devices. Organizations with critical printing workflows—such as legal, financial, healthcare, and government sectors—may face risks of unauthorized changes to printer configurations, potentially leading to misdirected or altered print jobs, which could cause operational disruptions or information leakage through printed materials. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, the integrity compromise could facilitate further attacks or data exfiltration via printed documents. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or malware already present on endpoints could exploit this flaw. Enterprises with mixed OS environments that include macOS systems should be aware of this risk, especially where printers are shared resources. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for timely patching. Failure to address this vulnerability could also affect compliance with data protection regulations if printed sensitive information is manipulated or exposed.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading all macOS devices to Sonoma 14 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Until upgrades are complete, restrict application permissions to limit the ability to modify printer settings, using macOS’s built-in privacy and security controls. Implement endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious local application behavior related to printer management. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of not interacting with unexpected prompts that could trigger this vulnerability. Regularly audit printer configurations and logs to detect unauthorized changes. For environments with sensitive printing needs, consider isolating printing systems or using network-level controls to monitor and restrict printer access. Maintain an inventory of macOS devices and their patch status to ensure compliance. Finally, monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this CVE.