CVE-2022-26714 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2022
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in tvOS 15.5, iOS 15.5 and iPadOS 15.5, Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, watchOS 8.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6, macOS Monterey 12.4. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw that enables malicious applications to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level access. The issue stems from insufficient input validation within the operating system's kernel components, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures and gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 15.5, tvOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, watchOS 8.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6, and macOS Monterey 12.4, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. The memory corruption occurs during kernel processing of specific inputs, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that exploit the validation gaps to achieve privilege escalation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers buffer overflow vulnerabilities in heap data structures. Attackers can leverage this flaw through specially crafted applications that trigger the memory corruption during kernel execution, potentially enabling them to bypass system security controls and execute code with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an application to be installed and executed on the target device, making it particularly concerning in environments where users may encounter malicious software through various attack vectors such as phishing campaigns, compromised app stores, or social engineering tactics. This type of vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise and personal security systems as kernel-level access provides complete system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26714 extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire networks and organizational infrastructures. Once an attacker achieves kernel-level execution, they can manipulate system files, install persistent backdoors, access encrypted data, and monitor user activities without detection. The vulnerability's presence in security updates 2022-004 for macOS Catalina and subsequent versions indicates Apple's recognition of the severity of this flaw, particularly in older operating system versions that may still be in use within enterprise environments. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the affected security updates to protect against potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of kernel exploits to gain system-level control. Network security teams must monitor for potential exploitation attempts and implement appropriate defensive measures including endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous kernel behavior patterns. The vulnerability's remediation requires system administrators to ensure all devices are updated to the patched versions, as unpatched systems remain susceptible to exploitation by threat actors who may already be targeting this specific flaw.