CVE-2023-42877: Apple macOS · An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system
Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.7 High · fixed in 14.1 : patch Apple macOS soon.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 9% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 14.1, 13.6.1, 12.7.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:NExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 21 Feb 2024
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-25.
What to do
Upgrade apple/macos to 14.1, 13.6.1 or 12.7.1.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Appleapple/macospkg:deb/apple/macosOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
1. Immediately update all macOS systems to the patched versions: Sonoma 14.1, Monterey 12.7.1, or Ventura 13.6.1, depending on the installed version. 2. Restrict installation of applications to trusted sources, such as the Apple App Store or verified developers, to reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. 3. Implement strict endpoint security controls, including application whitelisting and behavior monitoring, to detect unauthorized file system modifications. 4. Limit local access to macOS systems by enforcing strong physical security and user access controls, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 5. Regularly audit system integrity using tools that can detect unauthorized changes to protected file system areas. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 7. Monitor security advisories and threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability.
Description
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.1, macOS Monterey 12.7.1, macOS Ventura 13.6.1. An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system.
References
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213984 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213985 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213983 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT213985 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT213984 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/kb/HT213983 (opens in a new tab)