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CVE-2023-42977: A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation

30
Routine
HIGH 7.8UPGRADEUPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2023-42977 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting ipad os, iphone os, macos. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma 14. An app may be able to break out of its sandbox.

Why this priority

  • High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.8 (High)
Attack vectorLocal
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededNone
User interactionRequired
EPSS exploit chance0.2% (top 90%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-20
Published2025-04-11
Last modified2026-06-17
Publisher (CNA): Apple Inc. · Vendor: apple

Share: LinkedIn · X · Reddit

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

apple ipad os UPGRADE
Affected: < 17.0
Fixed in: 17.0
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
apple iphone os UPGRADE
Affected: < 17.0
Fixed in: 17.0
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
apple macos UPGRADE
Affected: < 14.0
Fixed in: 14.0
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-42977?

ipad os: upgrade to 17.0; iphone os: upgrade to 17.0; macos: upgrade to 14.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-42977 being exploited?

CVE-2023-42977 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-42977 affect?

CVE-2023-42977 affects ipad os, iphone os, macos. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma 14. An app may be able to break out of its sandbox.

How urgent is CVE-2023-42977?

Priority 30/100. High severity

Software pages

iOS vulnerabilities · macOS vulnerabilities · iPadOS vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

References

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