CVE-2022-46697 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
An out-of-bounds access issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.1. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw that exists within the macOS kernel implementation, specifically affecting systems running versions prior to macOS Ventura 13.1. The issue stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that allow malicious applications to manipulate memory access patterns beyond allocated buffer boundaries. Such flaws typically arise when developers fail to validate input parameters or memory limits before accessing array elements or memory regions, creating potential entry points for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the domain of kernel-level exploits where improper memory management can lead to severe system compromise. An attacker leveraging this flaw could potentially execute arbitrary code with the highest possible privileges, effectively gaining complete control over the affected system. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that operates at the operating system kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses standard user-space protections and security mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array index values, and CWE-131, which covers incorrect calculation of memory block sizes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on macOS systems, as it allows for complete system compromise without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that any application running on the system could potentially exploit this weakness to gain kernel-level access. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation technique, specifically targeting the kernel to achieve system-level control. The exploitability of such issues typically requires minimal user interaction and can result in persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, or complete system takeover.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of macOS Ventura 13.1 or later updates, which include enhanced bounds checking mechanisms and memory validation routines. Organizations should prioritize patch management and ensure all systems are updated to the latest supported macOS versions to prevent exploitation. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in kernel development, as outlined in secure coding guidelines and industry best practices for operating system security. Organizations must also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel extension restrictions and application whitelisting to further mitigate risks associated with such critical vulnerabilities.