CVE-2023-42942 is a vulnerability in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems that allows a malicious application to gain root privileges by exploiting improper handling of symbolic links (symlinks). The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-59, which relates to improper linkage or symlink handling that can lead to privilege escalation. This vulnerability enables an attacker with a locally installed malicious app to escalate privileges from a limited user context to root, thereby gaining full control over the device. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity due to the potential for complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L) and low privileges (PR:L), with no user interaction (UI:N) needed, making exploitation feasible once the malicious app is present. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS, with patches released in versions such as iOS 16.7.2, iOS 17.1, and their iPadOS equivalents. The fix involves improved symlink handling to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. Although no active exploits have been reported in the wild, the potential impact is significant due to the root-level access that can be obtained.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-42942 is considerable, especially those relying heavily on Apple mobile devices for business operations, communications, and sensitive data handling. A successful exploit could lead to complete device compromise, allowing attackers to access confidential information, manipulate data, install persistent malware, or disrupt device availability. This is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure where data confidentiality and system integrity are paramount. The ability to gain root privileges without user interaction increases the risk of stealthy, persistent attacks. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may face increased exposure if employees install untrusted apps. The vulnerability could also be leveraged for lateral movement within networks if compromised devices connect to corporate resources. Overall, the threat undermines trust in device security and could lead to regulatory and reputational consequences if exploited.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Immediately deploy the security updates released by Apple for iOS, iPadOS, and other affected platforms (iOS 16.7.2, iOS 17.1, iPadOS 16.7.2, iPadOS 17.1, etc.) to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2) Enforce strict app installation policies by restricting devices to install apps only from the official Apple App Store and consider using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and installations. 3) Conduct regular audits of installed applications to detect and remove any unauthorized or suspicious apps. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources and the importance of timely updates. 5) Monitor device logs and behavior for signs of privilege escalation or unusual activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. 6) For organizations with BYOD policies, enforce compliance checks to ensure devices are updated and secure before granting access to corporate resources. 7) Implement network segmentation and zero-trust principles to limit the impact of any compromised device. 8) Maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for handling mobile device compromises.