CVE-2023-41067 is a logic flaw in Apple macOS's Gatekeeper mechanism, which is responsible for enforcing application trust by verifying digital signatures and developer credentials before allowing apps to run. The vulnerability allows an application to bypass these Gatekeeper checks, effectively permitting untrusted or malicious software to execute on the system without the usual security validation. This bypass is due to a logic issue in the Gatekeeper verification process, which Apple has addressed with improved checks in macOS Sonoma 14. The affected versions are unspecified but include macOS versions prior to Sonoma 14. The vulnerability does not require user authentication or interaction beyond launching the app, making exploitation potentially straightforward if an attacker can deliver the malicious app to the target system. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the flaw undermines a fundamental macOS security control designed to prevent execution of unauthorized code. This could lead to unauthorized code execution, privilege escalation, or persistence of malware on affected systems. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be assessed based on impact and exploitability factors. The fix involves updating to the latest macOS version containing the patch. Organizations relying on macOS devices should prioritize patching and consider additional controls such as restricting app installation sources and monitoring for suspicious app behavior.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk as it undermines the Gatekeeper security mechanism that protects macOS devices from running untrusted software. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious code, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors with high macOS usage—such as creative industries, technology firms, and certain government agencies—may face increased exposure. The ability to bypass Gatekeeper without user interaction or authentication increases the risk of silent compromise, especially if attackers distribute malicious apps via phishing or supply chain attacks. This could impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data. The absence of known exploits suggests the threat is currently theoretical, but the potential impact warrants immediate mitigation. Failure to patch could also increase risk from future exploit development. Given the reliance on Apple devices in many European enterprises and public sector organizations, the vulnerability could affect critical infrastructure and sensitive information if left unaddressed.

1. Immediately upgrade all macOS devices to macOS Sonoma 14 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies restricting software to trusted sources such as the Mac App Store or verified developers. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and alerting on suspicious app execution or behavior that may indicate Gatekeeper bypass attempts. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and phishing attacks that may deliver malicious apps. 5. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to enforce Gatekeeper settings and restrict the ability to override security controls. 6. Regularly audit macOS systems for unauthorized or suspicious applications and verify Gatekeeper status. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups to recover from potential compromise. 8. Monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability to respond rapidly if attacks are observed.