CVE-2023-42950 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in Apple Safari, affecting versions prior to 17.2 on macOS Sonoma 14.2, iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, tvOS 17.2, and watchOS 10.2. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management when Safari processes specially crafted web content, which can lead to arbitrary code execution. This means an attacker can execute malicious code remotely by convincing a user to visit a malicious website or interact with crafted web content, without needing any prior privileges on the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common and dangerous memory corruption issue that can lead to system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the vulnerability’s high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector over the network, no privileges required, but user interaction necessary. Apple addressed this issue by improving memory management in Safari 17.2 and corresponding OS updates. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for exploitation remains significant due to the nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of Safari on Apple devices. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems should consider this a critical security issue requiring immediate patching to prevent remote code execution attacks that could lead to data breaches, system takeovers, or further lateral movement within networks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-42950 can be substantial, particularly for those with a high deployment of Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, espionage, or disruption of services. This is especially critical for sectors handling sensitive data like finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. The vulnerability’s exploitation could undermine confidentiality by exposing sensitive information, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution, and availability by causing system crashes or persistent malware infections. Given the reliance on Safari as the default browser on Apple devices, the attack surface is broad. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to lure victims to malicious sites. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers often develop exploits rapidly after disclosure. European organizations must therefore act swiftly to mitigate potential damage.

1. Immediate deployment of Apple’s security updates: Upgrade Safari to version 17.2 or later and update iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and macOS to their respective fixed versions (iOS/iPadOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2, watchOS 10.2, tvOS 17.2). 2. Enforce strict patch management policies to ensure all Apple devices are updated promptly. 3. Implement network-level protections such as web filtering and DNS filtering to block access to known malicious or suspicious websites. 4. Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown or suspicious links, especially in emails or messages, to reduce the likelihood of triggering the exploit. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Restrict the use of Safari where possible or consider alternative browsers with different security postures in high-risk environments. 7. Monitor security advisories and threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability. 8. Employ application sandboxing and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential code execution.