CVE-2023-42871 is a vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The root cause is improper memory handling, classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which can lead to memory corruption. This flaw enables a malicious app, once installed and executed with user interaction, to escalate privileges to the kernel level, effectively bypassing the operating system’s security boundaries. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma 14, where the issue has been addressed through improved memory management. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). There are no known public exploits in the wild at the time of publication, but the potential for exploitation remains significant due to the ability to gain kernel privileges. This vulnerability poses a critical risk because kernel-level code execution can lead to complete device compromise, including data theft, persistent malware installation, and disruption of device operations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-42871 is substantial, particularly for those relying on Apple mobile devices for sensitive communications, operational control, or data processing. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to confidential information, manipulation or destruction of data, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are especially vulnerable due to the potential for targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability. The ability to execute code with kernel privileges could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, and evade detection, increasing the risk of espionage, data breaches, and operational sabotage. Given the widespread use of iOS and iPadOS devices in European enterprises and public sector organizations, the vulnerability represents a significant threat vector that could be exploited in targeted attacks or by advanced persistent threat (APT) actors.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, or macOS Sonoma 14 as soon as possible to apply the patch that fixes this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies to control app installations, limiting them to trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and using enterprise app whitelisting. User education is critical to reduce the risk of social engineering that might lead to installation of malicious apps requiring user interaction. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity on Apple devices can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review and tighten permissions and access controls on mobile devices, and consider network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised device. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of mobile environments will help maintain a strong security posture against such threats.