CVE-2023-42946 is a vulnerability identified in Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems including watchOS, macOS Sonoma, iOS, and iPadOS. The core issue stems from insufficient redaction of sensitive user information by applications running on these platforms, which could allow a malicious app to access and leak confidential data without requiring any privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability affects all unspecified versions prior to the patched releases (tvOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1, iOS 17.1, and iPadOS 17.1). The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 reflects a high severity, primarily due to the vulnerability’s impact on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability, and the ease of exploitation (network vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction needed). The flaw was addressed by Apple through improved redaction mechanisms that prevent sensitive information leakage. Although no active exploits have been reported, the vulnerability poses a significant risk because it could expose personal or sensitive data to unauthorized applications, potentially leading to privacy violations or further targeted attacks. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple devices, including Apple TV, Apple Watch, Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads, making it relevant to a wide user base.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-42946 centers on the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user information, which could include personal data, credentials, or other confidential details stored or processed on Apple devices. This leakage could undermine user privacy, violate data protection regulations such as GDPR, and damage organizational reputation. Sectors relying heavily on Apple ecosystems—such as media companies using Apple TV devices, enterprises with iOS/macOS endpoints, and consumer-facing businesses—face increased risk. The vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely; however, the confidentiality breach could facilitate further attacks or espionage. Given the widespread use of Apple products in Europe, failure to patch could expose organizations to compliance risks and potential data breaches. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits targeting this vulnerability.

European organizations should immediately verify the versions of Apple operating systems deployed across their environments and prioritize upgrading to the patched versions: tvOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1, iOS 17.1, and iPadOS 17.1. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application vetting policies to limit installation of untrusted or unnecessary apps, especially on Apple TV and mobile devices. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce OS updates and restrict app permissions that could access sensitive information. Conduct regular audits of device configurations and monitor for unusual app behavior or data exfiltration attempts. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications. Additionally, organizations should review data handling policies on Apple devices to minimize sensitive data exposure and consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems from devices that may be vulnerable. Finally, maintain up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to detect any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability.