CVE-2022-26770 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/27/2022
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. A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26770 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that exists within Apple's macOS operating system kernel components. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify data boundaries before processing user-supplied information. The vulnerability manifests when malicious applications attempt to exploit memory access patterns that extend beyond allocated buffer limits, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, macOS Monterey 12.4, and macOS Big Sur 11.6.6 contain the necessary patches to address this weakness through enhanced validation routines and memory boundary checks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices and buffer boundaries. This flaw operates at the kernel level where applications can manipulate memory access patterns to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. When exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to craft malicious applications that can bypass normal security restrictions and execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The attack vector typically involves carefully constructed input data that, when processed by the vulnerable kernel component, causes memory corruption and privilege escalation. This represents a significant concern as kernel-level access provides attackers with complete system control and the ability to manipulate core operating system functions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape for macOS environments where attackers can leverage the flaw to gain root-level access to affected systems. The exploitation capability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access through kernel-level persistence mechanisms. Organizations running affected macOS versions face increased risk of advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks that could target high-value assets. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would map to privilege escalation techniques and kernel exploitation methods, specifically targeting the T1068 and T1547.001 sub-techniques that involve gaining system-level privileges and establishing persistence through kernel modules.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the security patches provided in Security Update 2022-004 and subsequent macOS versions. System administrators should prioritize patching across all affected macOS installations to eliminate the attack surface associated with this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity, and maintaining comprehensive system integrity monitoring. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and privilege-based access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely security updates and proper input validation mechanisms in preventing kernel-level exploits that could compromise entire computing environments.