CVE-2022-47965 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2024
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level privilege escalation flaw that existed in macOS prior to version 13.0 Ventura. The issue stemmed from inadequate memory handling mechanisms within the operating system kernel, creating a pathway for malicious applications to gain unauthorized executive privileges. The vulnerability was particularly concerning because it allowed a locally running application to execute arbitrary code with the highest level of system permissions typically reserved for kernel components. This type of flaw falls under the category of kernel exploitation vulnerabilities that can fundamentally compromise system security and integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involved memory management functions that failed to properly validate memory access patterns or enforce appropriate privilege boundaries. Attackers could leverage this weakness to manipulate kernel memory structures, bypassing standard security controls that normally prevent user-space applications from executing privileged operations. The flaw likely involved improper memory allocation or deallocation sequences that created exploitable conditions where malicious code could be injected into kernel space or where existing kernel memory could be manipulated to alter execution flow. This aligns with common kernel exploitation patterns documented in the cybersecurity community and represents a classic example of how memory corruption vulnerabilities can lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability was severe and far-reaching across all affected macOS versions prior to Ventura 13. An attacker with access to a local user account could potentially compromise the entire system by executing malicious code with kernel privileges, effectively neutralizing all user-level security controls. This included the ability to bypass system integrity protection mechanisms, modify critical system files, install persistent backdoors, and access all user data without detection. The vulnerability created a fundamental security weakness that undermined the core security model of macOS, where user-space applications should never be able to execute code with kernel-level privileges. Organizations relying on macOS systems faced significant risk of complete system compromise and data breaches.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through comprehensive memory handling improvements in macOS Ventura 13. The fix likely involved strengthening kernel memory management routines, implementing additional validation checks for memory operations, and enhancing privilege boundary enforcement mechanisms. Security researchers and cybersecurity professionals recommended immediate deployment of the macOS Ventura update to protect systems from exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlighted the importance of regular security updates and proper patch management in preventing widespread exploitation. The remediation approach aligns with industry best practices for kernel security and demonstrates the critical need for continuous security improvements in operating system components. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive monitoring for potential exploitation attempts.