CVE-2022-26767 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/27/2022
The issue was addressed with additional permissions checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.4, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6. A malicious application may be able to bypass Privacy preferences.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26767 represents a significant privacy escalation flaw within Apple's macOS operating system that was remediated in versions 12.4 and 11.6.6. This issue specifically targeted the system's privacy preference controls, which are fundamental to user data protection and application access management. The flaw allowed malicious software to potentially circumvent the operating system's built-in privacy safeguards that typically require explicit user permission for applications to access sensitive data or system resources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that macOS establishes between users and applications, particularly concerning sensitive areas such as file system access, network communications, and user data collection.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient permission validation mechanisms within the macOS privacy framework, creating a pathway for unauthorized applications to bypass the normal consent processes that users expect when granting application permissions. This flaw operates at the system level where application sandboxing and privacy preference enforcement should normally prevent such unauthorized access patterns. The vulnerability likely involved a race condition or logic flaw in the permission checking code that allowed malicious applications to exploit timing windows or bypass validation routines that should have prevented access to protected resources. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would be categorized under CWE-284 Access Control, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to system resources.
From an operational perspective, the implications of this vulnerability are severe as it enables malicious applications to access user data without proper consent, potentially leading to data theft, surveillance, or system compromise. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information including personal files, communication data, and potentially system configuration details. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that macOS users typically trust the system's privacy controls to protect their data, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates beneath the user's awareness and expectation of security. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552 Access Data, where adversaries can exploit system-level vulnerabilities to bypass access controls and obtain sensitive information.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability required updating to the patched versions of macOS Monterey 12.4 and macOS Big Sur 11.6.6, which implemented additional permission checks and strengthened validation mechanisms. System administrators and users should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates to protect against exploitation attempts. The fix likely involved enhancing the kernel-level permission checking routines and strengthening the validation processes for privacy preference enforcement. Organizations should also implement comprehensive endpoint monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly looking for unusual application behavior patterns that might indicate attempts to bypass privacy controls. Regular security assessments of macOS systems should include verification of proper patch deployment and monitoring for any unauthorized access attempts that could indicate successful exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that all affected systems receive the necessary updates while maintaining operational continuity through proper change management procedures.