CVE-2022-46689 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
A race condition was addressed with additional validation. This issue is fixed in tvOS 16.2, macOS Monterey 12.6.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, macOS Big Sur 11.7.2, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical race condition flaw that existed across multiple Apple operating systems including tvOS, macOS, iOS, and watchOS. The issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms during concurrent operations, allowing malicious applications to exploit timing discrepancies in system processes. Such race conditions typically occur when multiple threads or processes access shared resources simultaneously without proper synchronization, creating potential entry points for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability affects versions prior to the specified security updates, with the fix being implemented in tvOS 16.2, macOS Monterey 12.6.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, macOS Big Sur 11.7.2, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2. The security implications are severe as the flaw enables an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively bypassing system security boundaries. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and could allow attackers to gain root-level access to affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent programming environments where improper synchronization leads to security flaws. From an operational perspective, this issue creates a significant threat surface for mobile and desktop environments, particularly in enterprise settings where iOS and macOS devices are prevalent. The attack vector likely involves an application that can manipulate system timing or memory access patterns to trigger the race condition during critical kernel operations. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper inter-process communication and synchronization mechanisms in operating system design. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the underlying validation gaps and ensures that system resources are properly protected during concurrent access scenarios. Organizations must prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates across all affected devices to prevent potential exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of system-level vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized administrative access. This type of flaw highlights the complexity of modern operating system security and the necessity for robust concurrency controls in kernel-level operations. The exploitation of such race conditions requires sophisticated understanding of system internals and timing attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where adversaries have developed advanced persistent threat capabilities. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to unauthorized kernel-level activities and ensure comprehensive patch management programs are in place to address similar vulnerabilities in the future.