CVE-2023-41992: Apple iPadOS Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2023-41992 Overview

CVE-2023-41992 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The flaw allows a local attacker to elevate privileges on a vulnerable device. Apple addressed the issue with improved checks in macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 16.7, iPadOS 16.7, and macOS Ventura 13.6. Apple has confirmed active exploitation against versions of iOS prior to iOS 16.7, and CISA has added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-754] (improper check for unusual or exceptional conditions).

Critical Impact

A local attacker can elevate privileges on affected Apple devices. The flaw has been actively exploited in the wild as part of targeted attack chains.

Affected Products

• Apple iOS versions prior to 16.7 and 17.0.1
• Apple iPadOS versions prior to 16.7 and 17.0.1
• Apple macOS Monterey prior to 12.7 and macOS Ventura prior to 13.6

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-09-21 - CVE-2023-41992 published to the National Vulnerability Database
• 2025-11-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-41992

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in Apple's kernel and stems from an improper check for an exceptional condition, classified as [CWE-754]. A local attacker with the ability to execute code on the device can exploit the missing validation to elevate privileges, potentially gaining kernel-level access. Apple's advisory states the issue was addressed with improved checks, indicating that a code path failed to validate state or input before performing a privileged operation.

Exploitation requires local code execution as a prerequisite. In observed in-the-wild campaigns, attackers chained this kernel flaw with WebKit and certificate validation bugs (CVE-2023-41991 and CVE-2023-41993) to escape browser sandboxes and achieve full device compromise. The chain was reportedly used to deliver commercial spyware against targeted individuals.

Root Cause

The root cause is an inadequate validation check within an Apple operating system component. Apple's fix added stricter checks to prevent the unexpected condition from being reached, eliminating the path used to escalate privileges.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local. An attacker first needs the ability to run code on the target device, typically achieved through a separate browser or application exploit. Once initial code execution is obtained, triggering CVE-2023-41992 grants elevated privileges sufficient to bypass platform security boundaries and persist on the device.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this issue. Technical details are documented in the Apple Support Article HT213927 and related advisories.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-41992

Indicators of Compromise

• Devices running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS versions older than the patched releases listed by Apple
• Unexpected configuration profiles, jailbreak artifacts, or unsigned binaries on iOS and iPadOS devices
• Anomalous processes executing with elevated privileges on macOS endpoints, particularly those spawned from browser or messaging applications
• Outbound connections from mobile devices to infrastructure associated with commercial spyware operators

Detection Strategies

• Inventory all Apple endpoints and flag devices running iOS or iPadOS prior to 16.7, macOS Monterey prior to 12.7, or macOS Ventura prior to 13.6
• Correlate browser exploitation indicators (CVE-2023-41991, CVE-2023-41993) with subsequent kernel-level behavior, since this CVE was used as part of an exploit chain
• Review mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for unauthorized profile installations or supervision changes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enforce continuous OS version compliance reporting through MDM and EDR tooling
• Monitor macOS endpoint telemetry for privilege escalation behaviors such as unexpected sudo, XPC, or kernel extension activity
• Subscribe to Apple security advisories and the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog for ongoing updates

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-41992

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all Apple devices to iOS 16.7 or later, iPadOS 16.7 or later, macOS Monterey 12.7 or later, or macOS Ventura 13.6 or later
• Prioritize patching for high-value users, executives, journalists, and other individuals likely to be targeted by commercial spyware
• Verify enrollment of all Apple devices in MDM to enforce mandatory OS upgrades
• Treat this CVE as urgent given its presence on the CISA KEV list and confirmed in-the-wild exploitation

Patch Information

Apple released fixes in macOS Monterey 12.7, iOS 16.7, iPadOS 16.7, and macOS Ventura 13.6. Patch details are available in the Apple Support Article HT213927, HT213931, and HT213932. The CVE is tracked on the CISA KEV catalog.

Workarounds

• No vendor-supplied workaround exists; applying the official update is the only supported remediation
• Enable Lockdown Mode on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS for users at elevated risk of targeted attacks
• Restrict installation of untrusted applications and configuration profiles on managed devices until patches are deployed

# Verify the installed Apple OS version meets the patched baseline
# macOS
sw_vers -productVersion

# iOS / iPadOS (via MDM query or Settings > General > About)
# Required minimums: iOS/iPadOS 16.7, macOS Monterey 12.7, macOS Ventura 13.6