CVE-2023-27928 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on May 8, 2023, by Apple. It addresses a privacy issue related to improved private data redaction for log entries across various Apple products like macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability could allow an app to access information about a user's contacts.

Understanding CVE-2023-27928

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-27928, shedding light on the vulnerability's implications and affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-27928?

CVE-2023-27928 is a privacy issue that affects multiple Apple products, potentially enabling an application to access a user's contact information. It was resolved through enhanced private data redaction in log entries for impacted versions.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27928

The impact of this vulnerability could lead to the unauthorized access of sensitive contact information stored on Apple devices. This could compromise user privacy and lead to potential misuse of personal data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27928

In this section, we'll explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-27928.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-27928 allowed apps to access user contact information due to inadequate data redaction in log entries. By exploiting this flaw, malicious applications could potentially harvest sensitive data without user consent.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Apple products and versions were affected by CVE-2023-27928:

macOS (less than 13.3, 11.7)
iOS and iPadOS (less than 16.4, 15.7)
watchOS (less than 9.4)
tvOS (less than 16.4)

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involved utilizing the inadequate data redaction process in log entries to gain unauthorized access to a user's contact details. Malicious applications could abuse this flaw to extract sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against the risks posed by CVE-2023-27928, it is crucial to implement immediate remediation steps and establish long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should ensure that their Apple devices are updated to the patched versions (macOS Ventura 13.3, iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4, tvOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4, macOS Big Sur 11.7.5) to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, users should refrain from granting unnecessary permissions to applications that request access to contact information.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is advisable for users to regularly update their Apple devices to the latest software versions to benefit from security patches and enhancements. Practicing caution when granting permissions to applications and reviewing privacy settings can also help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Patching and Updates

Apple users are encouraged to apply the necessary software updates provided by the company to address CVE-2023-27928. Installing the latest security patches can help fortify device defenses and mitigate the risk of privacy breaches associated with the vulnerability.