CVE-2022-26740 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/27/2022
An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in tvOS 15.5, macOS Monterey 12.4, iOS 15.5 and iPadOS 15.5. 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 out-of-bounds write flaw that exists within Apple's operating system kernel components, specifically affecting multiple platforms including tvOS, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that allow malicious applications to manipulate memory regions beyond their allocated boundaries. According to the CVE description, the vulnerability was addressed through enhanced bounds checking measures, indicating that the original implementation failed to properly validate array indices or memory access limits. This type of flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its potential to grant applications kernel-level privileges, meaning that a compromised application could gain direct access to system resources and execute code with the highest possible permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26740 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass traditional security mechanisms. When an application can execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, it essentially gains complete control over the affected system, allowing for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage kernel-level access to execute malicious commands with unrestricted system privileges. The exploitation of such a flaw typically requires an application that can be installed on the target device, potentially through social engineering, phishing attacks, or supply chain compromises. The fact that the vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms suggests a shared kernel component that serves as the common attack surface across these operating systems.
Apple's response to this vulnerability involved implementing improved bounds checking mechanisms that prevent applications from writing data beyond allocated memory regions. The affected versions including tvOS 15.5, macOS Monterey 12.4, iOS 15.5, and iPadOS 15.5 all received patches that address the underlying memory management flaw. This remediation approach aligns with security best practices that emphasize defensive programming techniques and runtime protection mechanisms. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates, as the vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation makes it particularly dangerous. The fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing kernel-level vulnerabilities through enhanced input validation and memory protection, which is consistent with industry standards for preventing memory corruption exploits. Without proper patching, systems remain susceptible to attacks that could result in complete system compromise, data loss, and potential surveillance capabilities for threat actors.