Unsigned code execution via shortcut-file Gatekeeper bypass
Published Sep 26, 2023 · Updated Nov 4, 2025
Gatekeeper bypass in LaunchServices in Apple macOS before 14 allows local users to run unsigned applications through shortcut files. When an approved local application opens a .fileloc or .inetloc reference to a quarantined unsigned app, LaunchServices incorrectly offers a normal approval prompt and marks the app user-approved. Exploitation requires a fixed local app path and interaction with the shortcut and approval prompt; successful use runs unsigned or ad-hoc signed code.
Summary
What happened
Gatekeeper bypass in LaunchServices in Apple macOS before 14 allows local users to run unsigned applications through shortcut files. When an approved local application opens a .fileloc or .inetloc reference to a quarantined unsigned app, LaunchServices incorrectly offers a normal approval prompt and marks the app user-approved. Exploitation requires a fixed local app path and interaction with the shortcut and approval prompt; successful use runs unsigned or ad-hoc signed code.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-41067
- Published
- Sep 26, 2023
- Updated
- Nov 4, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- macOS
- Classifications
- T1553.001
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Sep 26, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Nov 4, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <14
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Jamf shortcut-file Gatekeeper bypass demonstrationfunctional · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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