CVE-2023-42936 is a vulnerability identified in Apple iOS and iPadOS operating systems that allows an application to access user-sensitive data improperly due to insufficient redaction of such information. The issue stems from a failure to adequately mask or restrict sensitive data within the OS, enabling apps to potentially read information they should not have access to. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, indicating an exposure of sensitive information. The flaw affects multiple Apple platforms, including macOS Monterey 12.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.6.3, iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, tvOS 17.2, watchOS 10.2, and macOS Sonoma 14.2, with patches released in these versions. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, meaning the attack requires local access and user interaction but no privileges, impacts confidentiality significantly, and does not affect integrity or availability. No known active exploits have been reported. The vulnerability was addressed by improving the redaction mechanisms within the OS to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data by apps. This flaw could be exploited by malicious or compromised apps to leak confidential user information, posing privacy risks and potential data breaches.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user data on Apple mobile devices, which are widely used in corporate and governmental environments. The exposure of confidential information could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, the risk is somewhat mitigated but remains significant in scenarios where users install untrusted apps or are targeted by social engineering. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which handle sensitive personal or strategic data, could be particularly impacted. The inability to affect integrity or availability limits the scope to confidentiality breaches. However, given the prevalence of Apple devices in Europe, unpatched systems could become a vector for data leakage, undermining organizational security postures and user trust.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach to mitigate this vulnerability. First and foremost, ensure all Apple devices are updated to the patched OS versions (iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS versions listed). Enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies to control app installations, restricting users from installing apps outside of trusted sources. Employ app permission audits to limit access to sensitive data and monitor for unusual app behavior. Conduct user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering that could trigger exploitation. Additionally, implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous data access patterns on mobile devices. Regularly review and update security policies to include mobile device security best practices. Finally, maintain an inventory of Apple devices and their OS versions to ensure compliance with patching requirements.