CVE-2022-26701
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects tvOS, macOS Monterey, iOS, and iPadOS before specific patch versions. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- tvOS
- macOS Monterey
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 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
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, bypass security controls, and pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious application gains kernel privileges to bypass sandboxing and access protected system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are fully patched, applications are from trusted sources only, and proper application sandboxing is enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed locally. Race conditions are timing-sensitive and difficult to exploit reliably.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: tvOS 15.5, macOS Monterey 12.4, iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213254
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict application sources
allOnly allow installation of applications from trusted sources like the App Store
For macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user privileges to prevent installation of untrusted applications
- Implement application allowlisting to control which applications can execute
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions listCheck Version:
For macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; For iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version is equal to or greater than patched versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Process privilege escalation attempts
- Application sandbox violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
SIEM Query:
Process creation events where parent process is user application and child process has SYSTEM/root privileges