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​CVE-2023-41060: Critical Kernel Type Confusion Vulnerability in Apple Devices​

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Vulnerability Summary

  • CVE ID: CVE-2023-41060​

  • Severity: Critical​

  • Attack Vector: Network​

  • Privileges Required: None​

  • User Interaction: None​

  • Impact: Remote attacker may be able to cause kernel code execution​Apple Support+5CVE+5NVD+5

Affected Products

Product Affected Versions
iOS Versions before 17
iPadOS Versions before 17
macOS Sonoma Versions before 14

How the Exploit Works

CVE-2023-41060 is a type confusion vulnerability in the kernel component of Apple’s operating systems. Type confusion occurs when a program allocates or initializes a resource using one type but later accesses it using a different, incompatible type. This can lead to unexpected behavior, including memory corruption.​Debricked+4Debian Security Tracker+4CVE+4

In this case, a remote attacker could exploit the type confusion to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This means the attacker could potentially take full control of the affected device, bypassing security mechanisms and accessing sensitive data.​Debricked+5Apple Support+5Apple Support+5

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Conceptual Example Code

While specific exploit code for CVE-2023-41060 is not publicly available, a conceptual example of a type confusion vulnerability might look like the following:​

<span class="hljs-comment">// Pseudo-code demonstrating type confusion</span>
<span class="hljs-keyword">typedef</span> <span class="hljs-class"><span class="hljs-keyword">struct</span></span> {
<span class="hljs-type">int</span> (*func_ptr)(<span class="hljs-type">void</span>);
} ObjectA;

<span class="hljs-keyword">typedef</span> <span class="hljs-class"><span class="hljs-keyword">struct</span></span> {
<span class="hljs-type">int</span> data;
} ObjectB;

<span class="hljs-type">void</span> <span class="hljs-title function_">exploit</span><span class="hljs-params">()</span> {
ObjectA *objA = <span class="hljs-built_in">malloc</span>(<span class="hljs-keyword">sizeof</span>(ObjectA));
ObjectB *objB = (ObjectB *)objA; <span class="hljs-comment">// Type confusion</span>
objB->data = (<span class="hljs-type">int</span>)malicious_function; <span class="hljs-comment">// Overwrite function pointer</span>
objA->func_ptr(); <span class="hljs-comment">// Execute malicious function</span>
}

In this pseudo-code, an object of type ObjectA is allocated, but then accessed as ObjectB, leading to a type confusion that allows overwriting a function pointer and executing arbitrary code.​

Potential Risks

Mitigation Recommendations

Conclusion

CVE-2023-41060 is a critical vulnerability that underscores the importance of keeping devices up to date. By exploiting a type confusion in the kernel, attackers could gain complete control over affected devices. Users and administrators should prioritize applying the latest security updates to mitigate this risk.​Debricked+5Vulners+5NVD+5

References

Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.

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