CVE-2023-42884 is a vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and iPadOS that allows an application to disclose kernel memory contents due to insufficient redaction of sensitive information. The kernel is a critical component of the operating system responsible for managing hardware and system resources securely. Leakage of kernel memory can expose sensitive data structures, potentially aiding attackers in further exploitation or information gathering. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), meaning an attacker must trick a user into running a malicious app. The attack vector is local (AV:L), so remote exploitation is not feasible without prior access. The flaw impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability. Apple fixed this issue in iOS and iPadOS 16.7.3 and 17.2, as well as macOS Sonoma 14.2 and Ventura 13.6.3, and tvOS 17.2, by improving redaction mechanisms to prevent sensitive kernel data exposure. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited active threat currently. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting medium severity due to the moderate impact on confidentiality and the requirement for local access and user interaction. Organizations using Apple mobile devices should prioritize patching to prevent potential data leaks that could facilitate further attacks or privacy violations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality of sensitive kernel memory on Apple iOS and iPadOS devices. Exposure of kernel memory could reveal internal OS data structures, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive information that attackers might leverage to escalate privileges or bypass security controls. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise integrity or availability, the leaked information could be a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. Enterprises and government agencies relying on Apple devices for sensitive communications or operations could face increased risk of data leakage or espionage if exploited. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits large-scale remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or targeted phishing campaigns. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in European business and government sectors, unpatched systems could become a vector for information disclosure, potentially impacting compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR.

1. Immediately update all affected Apple devices to the patched OS versions: iOS and iPadOS 16.7.3 or 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2 or Ventura 13.6.3, and tvOS 17.2. 2. Enforce strict app installation policies restricting users to trusted sources such as the official Apple App Store to reduce risk of malicious app installation. 3. Educate users about the risk of installing untrusted applications and the importance of avoiding suspicious links or prompts requiring app installation. 4. Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor device compliance and enforce timely patch deployment. 5. Regularly audit installed applications and device configurations to detect unauthorized or suspicious software. 6. Employ network segmentation and endpoint security controls to limit the impact of compromised devices. 7. Monitor for unusual device behavior or indicators of compromise that may suggest exploitation attempts. 8. Coordinate with Apple security advisories and threat intelligence sources for updates on exploit developments.