CVE-2023-41992 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability identified in Apple’s macOS and iOS operating systems prior to macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 16.7, iPadOS 16.7, and macOS Ventura 13.6. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation checks within the OS, which a local attacker can exploit to elevate their privileges from a limited user context to higher system privileges. This escalation can lead to full control over the affected device, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and system resources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-754, indicating improper check for unusual or exceptional conditions. Apple has released patches that improve these checks to prevent exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with an attack vector limited to local access, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required. While no widespread exploits have been confirmed, Apple has acknowledged reports of active exploitation attempts on iOS versions before 16.7, underscoring the urgency of patching. The vulnerability affects all users running the specified Apple OS versions, particularly those in environments where local access cannot be fully controlled or monitored. This flaw could be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained initial foothold to escalate privileges and compromise entire systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-41992 can be significant, especially for enterprises and government agencies relying on Apple devices for sensitive communications and operations. Successful exploitation allows attackers to bypass security controls, access confidential information, modify system configurations, install persistent malware, or disrupt services. This can lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and operational downtime. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitivity of their data and regulatory requirements under GDPR and other frameworks. The local nature of the attack means that insider threats or attackers who gain physical or remote local access pose the greatest risk. Additionally, the active exploitation reports on iOS devices highlight the threat to mobile users, increasing the attack surface for organizations with mobile workforces. Failure to patch promptly could result in escalated attacks that are difficult to detect and remediate.

European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 16.7, iPadOS 16.7, and macOS Ventura 13.6. Beyond patching, organizations must enforce strict access controls to limit local access to trusted users only, including physical device security and endpoint management policies. Implementing robust monitoring and logging of privileged account activities can help detect suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to ensure devices are updated and compliant. Educate users about the risks of local attacks and the importance of reporting unusual device behavior. For environments with high security requirements, consider restricting the use of vulnerable Apple devices until patched. Regularly audit devices for compliance and vulnerabilities. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying privilege escalation behaviors. Finally, maintain an incident response plan tailored to handle potential exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities.