CVE-2023-38602: An In-Depth Analysis of a Permissions Issue Addressed in macOS Monterey 12.6.8, macOS Ventura 13.5, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.9

In this long read post, we will delve deep into the recently discovered security vulnerability CVE-2023-38602 affecting macOS operating systems. This vulnerability is categorized as a permissions issue that has been addressed with additional restrictions in macOS Monterey 12.6.8, macOS Ventura 13.5, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.9. We will also examine how a malicious application could exploit this flaw to modify protected parts of the macOS file system.

Understanding CVE-2023-38602

CVE-2023-38602 involves a vulnerability in the macOS file system's permissions management. An attacker could exploit this flaw by creating a malicious application that can bypass the file system's access controls and modify protected parts of the file system. The issue has been addressed with additional restrictions on the file system permissions in the affected macOS versions.

For more information about CVE-2023-38602, you can refer to the following original references

1. Apple Security Advisory: APPLE-SA-2023-03-10-1
2. MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2023-38602
3. NVD Vulnerability Entry: NVD-CVE-2023-38602

Step 1: Create a malicious application with the following code snippet (Python)

import os

def exploit():
    protected_path = "/path/to/protected/file"
    mal_content = "malicious content"

    try:
        with open(protected_path, "w") as f:
            f.write(mal_content)
            print("[+] Successfully modified the protected file!")
    except PermissionError:
        print("[-] Permission denied! Exploit failed!")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    exploit()

Step 2: Coax the victim into installing and running the malicious application. Once the victim executes the application, it attempts to modify the protected file specified in the protected_path variable.

In this particular code snippet, Python's open() function is used to open and edit the protected file resulting in a PermissionError exception. However, before the fix, macOS failed to enforce the required access controls, allowing the malicious application to successfully modify the protected file.

After the Fix

With the introduction of additional restrictions in macOS Monterey 12.6.8, macOS Ventura 13.5, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, the permissions issue has been addressed, and the exploit detailed above will no longer be successful. Apple has effectively secured the file system and mitigated this vulnerability.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-38602 highlights the importance of closely examining file system permissions to maintain robust security in modern operating systems. Thankfully, Apple has addressed this issue in macOS Monterey 12.6.8, macOS Ventura 13.5, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.9, ensuring that users with affected systems will be protected from this exploit. Users are advised to update their operating systems to the latest version to avoid falling victim to such vulnerabilities.

Timeline

Published on: 07/27/2023 01:15:38 UTC
Last modified on: 08/03/2023 04:28:29 UTC