CVE-2022-22672
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-22672 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS users running vulnerable versions. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full device compromise with kernel-level persistence, data theft, and ability to bypass all security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious app gains complete system control, installs backdoors, steals credentials and sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched and app installation is restricted to trusted sources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install and execute malicious application. No public exploit code available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, macOS Monterey 12.3, macOS Big Sur 11.6.5, Security Update 2022-003 Catalina
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213182
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS or System Preferences > Software Update on macOS. 2. Download and install the latest update. 3. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly allow installation from App Store and trusted developers
Settings > General > Device Management (iOS)
System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General (macOS)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious kernel activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against vulnerable versions listed in affected_systems.versionsCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Suspicious process spawning with elevated privileges
- Unusual system call patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from kernel-level processes
SIEM Query:
process.parent.name:kernel AND process.name:malicious_process OR event.action:privilege_escalation🔗 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/HT213185
- 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/HT213185
