How severe is CVE-2023-42838?

CVE-2023-42838 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-42838 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (9th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-42838?

CVE-2023-42838 primarily affects Apple Macos. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-42838?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

Does CVE-2023-42838 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2023-42838 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-47259.

When was CVE-2023-42838 published?

CVE-2023-42838 was published on 2024-02-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-42838

CVE-2023-42838 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Macos with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-284.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.6)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (9th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2023-47259
Weakness: CWE-284
Affected product: Apple Macos
Published: 2024-02-21
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An access issue was addressed with improvements to the sandbox. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.6.3, macOS Sonoma 14.1, macOS Monterey 12.7.2. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code out of its sandbox or with certain elevated privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-42838?: An access issue was addressed with improvements to the sandbox. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.6.3, macOS Sonoma 14.1, macOS Monterey 12.7.2. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code out of its sandbox or with certain elevated privileges.
How severe is CVE-2023-42838?: CVE-2023-42838 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-42838 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (9th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-42838?: CVE-2023-42838 primarily affects Apple Macos. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-42838?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2023-42838 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2023-42838 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-47259.
When was CVE-2023-42838 published?: CVE-2023-42838 was published on 2024-02-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:14.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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