CVE-2022-26743
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-26743 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in macOS that allows attackers who have already achieved code execution in macOS Recovery to escalate privileges to kernel level. This affects macOS Monterey systems before version 12.4. Attackers need initial access to the system to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS Monterey
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing complete control over the operating system, bypassing all security controls, and persistence mechanisms.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from a compromised user or application context to kernel privileges, enabling installation of rootkits, disabling security software, and accessing protected system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls prevent initial compromise and macOS Recovery access is restricted to authorized administrators only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires initial code execution in macOS Recovery environment, which is a significant barrier. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Monterey 12.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213257
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install macOS Monterey 12.4 update. 3. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict macOS Recovery Access
allLimit physical and administrative access to macOS Recovery environment through security policies and access controls.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from accessing macOS Recovery environment
- Monitor for suspicious activity in macOS Recovery and kernel-level processes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running macOS Monterey version earlier than 12.4, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 12.4 or later and check that security update was successfully installed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual kernel module loading
- Suspicious activity in macOS Recovery environment
- Privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel extension loading events, privilege escalation alerts, or unauthorized access to recovery partitions.