External risk intelligence

Apple Operating Systems Font Processing Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-41990

A vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows for arbitrary code execution when processing a font file. This could impact affected systems and data. Organizations should identify all affected devices and apply vendor-provided security updates.

1Halo Surface Signal

Apple Ipados

before 15.7.816.0 to before 16.3before 11.7.912.0.0 to before 12.6.813.0 to before 13.2before 16.3before 9.3

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-41990

This vulnerability involves the processing of font files within Apple operating systems. It is a client-side issue residing on local devices, which is not internet-facing, does not provide a network service, and requires the user to interact with a malicious file to be triggered. It lacks the public network exposure characteristics defined for higher scores.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A flaw in how Apple operating systems handle font files may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. This could affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems and data.

  • Font file processing
  • Arbitrary code execution
  • System compromise and data breach

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by presenting a specially crafted font file to an affected system. This could occur through various means, such as a link or an email attachment. Upon processing the font file, an attacker could gain control of the system, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code. This could impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational data and systems.

  • Exposure through font file processing.
  • Attacker provides malicious font file.
  • Code execution and system compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in Apple's font processing system could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device. This exploit requires local access and user interaction, such as opening a malicious font file. Apple has confirmed that this issue was actively exploited in the wild.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low to moderate.
  • Required access or conditions: Local access and user interaction.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization should address this vulnerability by identifying all affected Apple devices, reducing potential exposure through immediate mitigation steps, applying the vendor-provided security updates, and verifying the successful implementation of these fixes. Continuous monitoring for any related security events is also essential to maintain a secure environment.

  • Find affected Apple devices.
  • Isolate risk or reduce exposure.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What Apple products are affected by CVE-2023-41990, and what is the nature of the vulnerability?

CVE-2023-41990 affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This vulnerability is a type of arbitrary code execution flaw, meaning an attacker could potentially run malicious code on an affected device.

What type of weakness does CVE-2023-41990 represent and how is it triggered?

This vulnerability is classified as arbitrary code execution. It can be triggered by processing a specially crafted font file, which could lead to an attacker executing their own code on the target system.

What is the scope of the impact and how can CVE-2023-41990 be triggered?

The vulnerability is triggered by processing a font file. An attacker could present a malicious font file to an affected system, potentially leading to system compromise and arbitrary code execution.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-41990 according to the Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal assesses CVE-2023-41990 as 'Very unlikely' to be a significant threat due to its nature as a client-side issue that requires user interaction with a malicious font file and lacks public network exposure.

What practical steps should be taken to address CVE-2023-41990?

Organizations should identify all affected Apple devices, apply security updates provided by Apple, and continuously monitor for any related security events to maintain a secure environment.

References