Code execution via malformed HEVC decoding
Published Dec 12, 2023 · Updated Nov 4, 2025
Memory corruption in AppleGraphicsControl in Apple macOS before 14.2 allows attackers to execute code via a crafted HEVC file. The Intel AppleGVA HEVC decoder insufficiently validates bitstream input, permitting out-of-bounds memory writes while decoding malformed data. A user must cause the file to be processed; successful exploitation runs code in the affected process, while unsuccessful attempts can terminate the application.
Summary
What happened
Memory corruption in AppleGraphicsControl in Apple macOS before 14.2 allows attackers to execute code via a crafted HEVC file. The Intel AppleGVA HEVC decoder insufficiently validates bitstream input, permitting out-of-bounds memory writes while decoding malformed data. A user must cause the file to be processed; successful exploitation runs code in the affected process, while unsuccessful attempts can terminate the application.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-42926
- Published
- Dec 12, 2023
- Updated
- Nov 4, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- macOS
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1204.002
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Dec 12, 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 <14.2
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
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.
Public exploit references
- macOS AppleGVA Memory Handlingproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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