CVE-2022-22650 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2022
This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.6.5, macOS Monterey 12.3, Security Update 2022-003 Catalina. A plug-in may be able to inherit the application's permissions and access user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation issue that affects macOS systems, specifically targeting the permission model and plugin architecture within the operating system. The flaw allows malicious plugins to potentially inherit the permissions of the parent application they are loaded into, creating an unauthorized access vector that could compromise user data and system integrity. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between applications and their plugins, exploiting the inherent assumption that plugins operate within the same security context as their host applications. The issue manifests when a maliciously crafted plugin is loaded into a legitimate application, enabling the plugin to access resources and data that should normally be restricted to the application's own security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate permission checking mechanisms within the macOS plugin loading system. When applications load plugins, the system should enforce strict isolation between the application's security context and the plugin's execution environment. However, the flaw allows plugins to inherit or escalate to the same permission level as the parent application, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries. This inheritance mechanism operates at the kernel level or system framework level where plugin loading occurs, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privilege management, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control within the system's plugin architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, as it enables potential attackers to exploit legitimate applications as launching points for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker could craft a malicious plugin that, when loaded into a trusted application such as a web browser or productivity suite, gains access to sensitive user data including documents, credentials, and personal information. This creates a persistent threat vector where the attacker can maintain access to user data even after the initial compromise. The vulnerability also enables potential lateral movement within a compromised system, as plugins loaded into system applications may have elevated privileges that allow access to system-level resources. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact method of gaining unauthorized access to user data and system resources, as the attack requires only the ability to convince a user to install a malicious plugin.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves implementing enhanced permission checking and isolation mechanisms within the macOS plugin loading system. Apple's security updates address this by strengthening the checks that occur during plugin loading, ensuring that plugins cannot inherit the parent application's permissions without explicit authorization. These updates implement stricter sandboxing controls and enhanced privilege separation between applications and their plugins. Organizations should ensure that all systems are updated to the latest macOS versions, including macOS Big Sur 11.6.5, macOS Monterey 12.3, and the Security Update 2022-003 for Catalina. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized plugin installations and monitor for suspicious activity related to application plugin loading. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1106, which covers execution through legitimate user processes, as it addresses the ability of malicious code to execute with elevated privileges through legitimate application interfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining strict security boundaries between applications and their components, particularly in environments where multiple applications and plugins interact within the same system framework.