CVE-2023-42835 is a logic vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an attacker with limited privileges to access user data due to insufficient validation checks within the operating system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction to be exploited, which increases its risk profile, but it does require the attacker to have local access with low privileges (AV:L, PR:L, UI:N). The flaw specifically impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability (I:N, A:N). The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in macOS Sonoma 14.1 through improved logic checks that prevent unauthorized data access. While the affected versions are unspecified, it is implied that all versions prior to 14.1 are vulnerable. There are currently no known exploits in the wild, suggesting that active exploitation is not yet observed. The CVSS score of 5.5 (medium severity) reflects moderate risk due to the local access requirement and lack of user interaction, balanced against the high confidentiality impact. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers who have gained low-level access to a macOS system to extract sensitive user data without elevating privileges or alerting the user.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-42835 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on macOS devices. This could include personal information, credentials, or proprietary data stored or accessible on affected systems. Organizations with macOS endpoints in corporate environments, especially those handling sensitive or regulated data, face increased risk of data breaches. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds through other means could exploit this vulnerability to escalate data access. This could undermine confidentiality commitments under GDPR and other data protection regulations, leading to legal and reputational consequences. Additionally, sectors such as finance, technology, and government agencies in Europe that rely on macOS for critical operations may experience targeted exploitation attempts. The absence of integrity or availability impact reduces the risk of system disruption but does not diminish the importance of protecting sensitive data confidentiality.

1. Immediately update all macOS devices to version Sonoma 14.1 or later to apply the official patch addressing this vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict local access controls, including strong authentication and least privilege principles, to minimize the risk of unauthorized local access. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and alerting on suspicious local activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions on macOS systems to detect and remediate unnecessary privileges. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local access vulnerabilities and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious behavior. 6. For organizations with sensitive data, consider additional encryption of user data at rest and in use to reduce exposure in case of unauthorized access. 7. Maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for handling potential data access incidents on macOS endpoints. 8. Monitor Apple security advisories for any updates or additional patches related to this vulnerability.