CVE-2022-22627
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to cause AppleScript binaries to read memory outside intended bounds, potentially leading to application crashes or memory disclosure. It affects macOS systems running vulnerable versions of AppleScript processing components. Attackers could exploit this by tricking users into opening malicious AppleScript files.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- AppleScript
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Memory disclosure could expose sensitive information like passwords, encryption keys, or other process data to attackers, potentially enabling further exploitation.
Likely Case
Application crashes (denial of service) when processing malicious AppleScript files, disrupting user workflows.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, no impact; with network segmentation and user education, reduced likelihood of successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious AppleScript file. No public exploit code identified in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.6.5, macOS Monterey 12.3, Security Update 2022-003 Catalina
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213183
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Restart system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AppleScript execution
allPrevent AppleScript binaries from executing via system policies
sudo spctl --master-disable
Configure Gatekeeper to block unidentified developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to prevent execution of untrusted AppleScript files
- Implement application allowlisting to block unauthorized AppleScript execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running Catalina, Big Sur <11.6.5, or Monterey <12.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 11.6.5 or higher (Big Sur), 12.3 or higher (Monterey), or has Security Update 2022-003 (Catalina).📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected application crashes related to AppleScript
- Console logs showing memory access violations
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of AppleScript files (.scpt) from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="*.log" AND "AppleScript" AND ("crash" OR "access violation")