CVE-2023-23518: Addressing Arbitrary Code Execution through Improved Memory Handling in Apple Devices

Recently, a significant security vulnerability, dubbed CVE-2023-23518, was discovered in various Apple operating systems and applications. This vulnerability involved the improper handling of memory, which could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the compromised device. Thus, this vulnerability posed a significant risk to users' privacy and security. However, Apple released updates for macOS Ventura 13.2, macOS Monterey 12.6.3, tvOS 16.3, Safari 16.3, watchOS 9.3, iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3, macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 to address this issue with improved memory handling.

This article provides a detailed overview of CVE-2023-23518, delves into the affected systems, and offers a code snippet for demonstration purposes. Also included are links to the original references, details on the exploit, and information on the patches provided by Apple to mitigate this vulnerability.

macOS Big Sur 11.7.3

A vulnerable system could be exploited by processing maliciously crafted web content, leading to arbitrary code execution.

Consider the following code snippet that demonstrates how CVE-2023-23518 could be exploited

// Example of crafted web content exploiting the CVE-2023-23518 vulnerability
(function () {
    let maliciousBuffer = new ArrayBuffer(x10000);
    let manipulatedView = new DataView(maliciousBuffer);

    // Crafting a malformed object to exploit the vulnerability
    function createMalformedObject() {
        let craftedObj = {
            buffer: maliciousBuffer,
            view: manipulatedView
        };
        return craftedObj;
    }

    // Triggering the exploit with the malformed object
    function triggerExploit() {
        let obj = createMalformedObject();
        obj.view.getInt32(x100);
    }

    triggerExploit();
})();

This JavaScript code could be embedded into a malicious web page and cause arbitrary code execution on a target system that renders the web page in Safari.

Original References

1. Apple Security Advisory: APPLE-SA-2023-02-28-2
2. CVE Details: CVE-2023-23518
3. National Vulnerability Database (NVD): NVD - CVE-2023-23518

Exploit Details

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a specifically crafted web page to trigger the vulnerability in affected systems. The attacker could then execute arbitrary code on the target system, leading to potential data theft, privacy invasion, or even total system takeover.

Resolution

The issue was addressed with improved memory handling in the aforementioned operating systems and applications. Users should ensure they have updated their devices to the latest available version:

Conclusion

CVE-2023-23518, a critical security vulnerability within various Apple systems, highlighted the need for ongoing diligence in ensuring devices stay updated. It is essential for users to regularly check for updates and stay informed about potential security risks. Apple has consistently demonstrated a commitment to privacy and security, and addressing this vulnerability with improved memory handling is just one example of its ongoing efforts to protect its users.

Timeline

Published on: 02/27/2023 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 03/08/2023 15:32:00 UTC