CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-27930NVD status: Modified

macOS: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

CVE-2023-27930 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type vulnerability in macOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 13.4 as the first without the flaw, so updating macOS to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.48% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update macOS to 13.4 or a later version.
  2. Update watchOS to 9.5 or a later version.
  3. Update iOS and iPadOS to 16.5 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ApplemacOSbefore 13.413.4
ApplewatchOSbefore 9.59.5
AppleiOS and iPadOSbefore 16.516.5
AppletvOSbefore 16.516.5
AppleiPadOSbefore 16.516.5
AppleIphone OSbefore 16.516.5

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Official description

A type confusion issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5, watchOS 9.5, tvOS 16.5, macOS Ventura 13.4. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.

More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in macOS

All macOS vulnerabilities

Recent Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities

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