CVE-2023-42839 is a vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and related Apple operating systems that allows an application to access sensitive user data due to improper state management. The weakness is categorized under CWE-922, which involves improper state management leading to unauthorized data access. Specifically, an app running on affected versions of tvOS (and other Apple OSes) could bypass intended access controls and read confidential user information without requiring privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including tvOS, watchOS, macOS Sonoma, iOS, and iPadOS prior to versions 17.1 and 10.1. Apple resolved the issue by enhancing state management mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data exposure. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.2 (medium), reflecting a local attack vector (AV:L), low complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity or availability (I:N, A:N). There are no known exploits in the wild, and the affected versions are unspecified but presumably all versions before the patched releases. This vulnerability primarily risks confidentiality by allowing apps to access sensitive data they should not have access to, potentially leading to privacy breaches or data leakage.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-42839 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on Apple devices, particularly those running tvOS in corporate or media environments. Confidentiality breaches could expose personal or corporate information, leading to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely. However, organizations relying on Apple TV devices for presentations, digital signage, or media streaming could see sensitive information exposed if untrusted or malicious apps are installed. The lack of required privileges or user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing risk in environments where app installation is less controlled. Given the widespread use of Apple products in Europe, especially in sectors like media, education, and enterprise, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to confidentiality and privacy.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Apple devices to the patched OS versions: tvOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1, iOS 17.1, and iPadOS 17.1. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict app installation policies on Apple TV and other Apple devices, limiting installations to trusted sources and vetted applications. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app deployment and monitor device compliance. Regularly audit installed applications for unauthorized or suspicious software. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing untrusted apps on Apple devices. For environments using Apple TV for corporate purposes, consider network segmentation to isolate these devices from sensitive data networks. Monitor device logs for unusual access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of Apple devices and their OS versions to ensure timely patch management.