CVE-2023-42892 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges. Use-after-free bugs occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior including potential code execution or privilege escalation. This specific flaw affects multiple macOS versions, including Ventura 13.6.3, Sonoma 14.2, and Monterey 12.7.2, and was addressed by Apple through improved memory management techniques. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (AV:L, PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N), making it more straightforward to exploit once local access is obtained. The CVSS vector indicates high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning an attacker could gain full control over the affected system. Although no exploits are known in the wild, the vulnerability’s nature and severity make it a significant risk. The flaw is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common and dangerous memory corruption issue. Organizations running vulnerable macOS versions should prioritize patching to prevent attackers from leveraging this flaw to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise sensitive data or system stability.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where macOS is widely used, such as creative industries, software development, and executive workstations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass local security controls, gain administrative privileges, and execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches, disruption of services, or lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could access sensitive information; integrity is compromised through unauthorized system modifications; and availability could be affected if attackers disrupt system operations. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once local access is gained, increasing the threat level. Organizations with remote or shared macOS access environments, or those with insufficient endpoint protection, are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits following public disclosure.

1. Immediately apply the security updates provided by Apple for macOS Ventura 13.6.3, Sonoma 14.2, and Monterey 12.7.2 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict local access to macOS systems to trusted users only, employing strong authentication and access control policies. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting unusual privilege escalation attempts or memory corruption behaviors. 4. Regularly audit and monitor local user activities and system logs for signs of exploitation attempts. 5. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the impact of potential exploits. 6. Educate users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of reporting suspicious system behavior. 7. For organizations using macOS in critical infrastructure, consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised macOS hosts. 8. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of macOS devices and ensure compliance with patch management policies. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing local access restrictions, behavioral monitoring, and operational controls tailored to macOS environments.