CVE-2022-26697 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2022
An out-of-bounds read issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, macOS Monterey 12.4, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6. Processing a maliciously crafted AppleScript binary may result in unexpected application termination or disclosure of process memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26697 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Apple's macOS operating system that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This issue specifically affects AppleScript processing functionality where the system fails to properly validate the boundaries of data structures when handling maliciously crafted binary AppleScript files. The vulnerability manifests as an improper access to memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data access and system instability. The flaw exists in the core scripting engine responsible for interpreting and executing AppleScript commands, making it particularly dangerous as AppleScript is commonly used for automation tasks and system integration within the macOS environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted AppleScript binary is processed by the system, triggering the out-of-bounds read condition that can cause applications to terminate unexpectedly or expose sensitive process memory contents. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure, system crashes, or potential privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that AppleScript files can be executed automatically through various system mechanisms, including automated workflows, scheduled tasks, or when users open seemingly benign documents that contain embedded AppleScript code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security implications for macOS environments as it can be leveraged to achieve information disclosure attacks against running processes. The potential for unexpected application termination represents a denial-of-service vector that could disrupt critical system operations, while the memory disclosure aspect opens possibilities for attackers to extract sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or confidential application data. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions including macOS Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey, indicating it represents a persistent flaw in the system's scripting infrastructure that required security updates across several major releases. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to gain insights into running processes or to craft more sophisticated attacks by understanding memory layouts and data structures.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2022-26697 include immediate installation of the security updates provided by Apple through Security Update 2022-004 for macOS Catalina, macOS Monterey 12.4, and macOS Big Sur 11.6.6. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected macOS systems to prevent exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing strict AppleScript execution policies, disabling unnecessary AppleScript capabilities in restricted environments, and monitoring for suspicious AppleScript file execution patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted AppleScript binaries and maintain regular security assessments of their macOS environments to identify potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in system components that handle user-supplied data and highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all operating system components.