CVE-2022-22632
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple operating systems where a malicious application could gain elevated privileges due to a logic issue in state management. It affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Users running vulnerable versions are at risk of local privilege escalation attacks.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious application could gain root/system privileges, allowing complete compromise of the device, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement in enterprise environments.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources could bypass sandbox restrictions, access sensitive data, modify system files, or install additional malware with elevated permissions.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to sophisticated targeted attacks rather than widespread exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to install a malicious application. No public exploit code has been identified, but the high CVSS score suggests significant potential impact.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: tvOS 15.4, iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, macOS Big Sur 11.6.5, watchOS 8.5, macOS Monterey 12.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213182
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allOnly allow installation of apps from trusted sources like the official App Store
Settings > General > Device Management > App Installation > Allow Apps From: App Store Only
Enable Gatekeeper
macOSOn macOS, ensure Gatekeeper is enabled to block unsigned applications
sudo spctl --master-enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the current OS version against the patched versions listed in the fix informationCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; macOS: System Preferences > Software Update or 'sw_vers' in terminal; tvOS: Settings > General > About; watchOS: Watch app on iPhone > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the OS version matches or exceeds the patched versions: tvOS 15.4+, iOS 15.4+, iPadOS 15.4+, macOS Big Sur 11.6.5+, watchOS 8.5+, macOS Monterey 12.3+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Processes running with unexpected UID/GID changes
- Application sandbox violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from elevated processes
SIEM Query:
process where (parent_process_name contains "App" or process_name contains "App") and (user_id < 500 or user_id == 0)🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213182
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213183
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213184
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213186
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213193
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213182
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213183
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213184
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213186
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213193
