CVE-2022-22674 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2022
An out-of-bounds read issue existed that led to the disclosure of kernel memory. This was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.3.1, Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6. A local user may be able to read kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22674 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the macOS kernel that enables local attackers to access sensitive kernel memory contents. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-125 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure and potential system compromise. The issue manifests when the kernel fails to properly validate input parameters, allowing malicious code execution to traverse memory boundaries and extract confidential data from kernel space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the kernel level where insufficient input validation permits unauthorized memory access patterns. When legitimate system calls or kernel interfaces receive malformed input, the kernel's memory management routines fail to perform proper bounds checking before accessing memory regions. This allows a local user with minimal privileges to craft specific inputs that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, resulting in the exposure of kernel memory contents including potentially sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, system credentials, or other confidential data structures. The vulnerability operates through the kernel's memory management subsystem and is particularly concerning because it bypasses normal access controls that typically protect kernel memory from user-space processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to macOS systems as it enables local privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure since kernel memory often contains critical system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Attackers could potentially use the disclosed kernel memory to identify system vulnerabilities, extract security credentials, or develop more sophisticated attacks that exploit additional weaknesses in the kernel. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions including the then-recent macOS Monterey 12.3.1, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6, and Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, indicating it was a widespread issue across the macOS ecosystem. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for kernel-mode rootkits and T1068 for local privilege escalation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible.
The remediation for CVE-2022-22674 involves implementing enhanced input validation mechanisms within the kernel's memory management routines. Apple addressed this vulnerability by strengthening bounds checking procedures and improving parameter validation in kernel interfaces that previously allowed out-of-bounds memory access. System administrators should immediately apply the relevant security updates including macOS Monterey 12.3.1, Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, and macOS Big Sur 11.6.6 to mitigate the risk. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive system audits to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space and highlights how seemingly minor validation gaps can lead to significant information disclosure risks that compromise entire system security models.