CVE-2023-42929 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS that allows an application to access protected user data due to insufficient validation checks in the operating system. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in macOS Sonoma 14, where improved checks prevent unauthorized data access. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5 (medium severity), with an attack vector classified as 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 affects confidentiality (C:H) but not integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). This means a malicious or compromised app running on the user’s device could trick the user into performing an action that grants it access to sensitive data that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability does not allow privilege escalation or system compromise but poses a risk to user privacy and data confidentiality. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating limited active exploitation at this time. The affected versions are unspecified, but the fix is included in macOS Sonoma 14, so earlier versions remain vulnerable. The vulnerability is significant for environments where sensitive user data is stored on macOS devices and where users might install untrusted applications or be subject to social engineering attacks. The lack of required privileges lowers the barrier to exploitation, but the need for user interaction and local access limits remote exploitation scenarios.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality of sensitive user data on macOS devices. Organizations with employees using macOS for handling personal, financial, or proprietary information could face data leakage risks if malicious apps exploit this flaw. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government agencies are particularly sensitive to such data exposure. The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. However, unauthorized data access could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), reputational damage, and potential financial penalties. The local attack vector and requirement for user interaction mean that insider threats or targeted phishing/social engineering campaigns could leverage this vulnerability. Organizations with a high density of Apple hardware and less mature endpoint security controls are at greater risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate urgency but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation, especially as attackers develop proof-of-concept code.

1. Upgrade all macOS devices to macOS Sonoma 14 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Implement strict application control policies to restrict installation of apps from untrusted or unknown sources, reducing the risk of malicious apps being installed. 3. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted applications and social engineering tactics that could trigger exploitation. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual app behaviors and data access patterns on macOS devices. 5. Enforce least privilege principles and limit local user permissions where possible to reduce the attack surface. 6. Regularly audit installed applications and remove unnecessary or suspicious software. 7. Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploits related to this vulnerability. 8. Consider network segmentation and data access controls to limit sensitive data exposure even if a device is compromised.