CVE-2022-26697
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to read memory outside intended boundaries when processing malicious AppleScript binary files. It affects macOS Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey users, potentially causing application crashes or memory disclosure.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 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
Sensitive process memory disclosure leading to information leakage, credential theft, or system compromise.
Likely Case
Application termination (crash) causing denial of service or limited memory disclosure.
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are patched or AppleScript processing is restricted.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to open malicious AppleScript binary file; no known public exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6, macOS Monterey 12.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213255
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AppleScript execution
allPrevent AppleScript binary files from executing via system policies.
sudo spctl --master-disable
Configure Gatekeeper to block unidentified developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict AppleScript file execution via endpoint protection or application control.
- Educate users to avoid opening untrusted AppleScript files.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if Catalina, Big Sur <11.6.6, or Monterey <12.4, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is Catalina with Security Update 2022-004, Big Sur 11.6.6+, or Monterey 12.4+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes related to AppleScript execution
- Console logs showing memory access violations
Network Indicators:
- None - local file processing vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="macOS" AND (event="app_crash" AND process="osascript")