CVE-2022-32853 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
An out-of-bounds read issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in Security Update 2022-005 Catalina, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.5. Processing a maliciously crafted AppleScript binary may result in unexpected termination or disclosure of process memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic out-of-bounds read flaw that was remediated through enhanced input validation mechanisms within Apple's operating system security framework. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of AppleScript binary content, where the system fails to properly validate array or buffer access limits before reading memory locations. Such vulnerabilities fall under the common weakness enumeration CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and more broadly aligns with CWE-125, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure or system instability. The vulnerability manifests when the system encounters maliciously crafted AppleScript binary content that exploits improper input validation to access memory regions beyond the intended buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to include potential information disclosure risks that could compromise sensitive process memory contents. When processing malicious AppleScript binaries, the system may experience unexpected termination due to memory access violations, or more critically, allow unauthorized disclosure of process memory that could contain sensitive data, credentials, or application state information. This behavior aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework where adversaries leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain access to privileged information or escalate their privileges within the system environment. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for macOS environments where AppleScript execution is permitted, as it could be exploited in targeted attacks against specific user sessions or system processes.
The security update 2022-005 Catalina, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, and macOS Monterey 12.5 address this issue through comprehensive input validation improvements that establish proper bounds checking mechanisms for AppleScript binary processing. These patches implement stricter validation protocols that ensure all array accesses and buffer operations within the AppleScript interpreter are properly bounded before memory access occurs. The remediation approach follows industry best practices for preventing out-of-bounds read conditions as recommended by the software security community and aligns with the principles of defensive programming that emphasize input sanitization and memory safety. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected macOS systems to mitigate potential exploitation risks, particularly in environments where AppleScript execution is permitted or where users may encounter untrusted AppleScript content. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing memory safety vulnerabilities in their operating system while maintaining compatibility with legitimate AppleScript functionality.