CVE-2022-26772
📋 TL;DR
This is a memory corruption vulnerability in macOS that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects macOS Monterey systems before version 12.4. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over the affected system.
💻 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 installation of persistent malware, data theft, and complete system control.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious application gains kernel privileges to bypass security controls and access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are fully patched and running with minimal privileges, though unpatched systems remain vulnerable.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local application execution; no public exploit code available at time of analysis.
🛠️ 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. Click 'Update Now' if macOS Monterey 12.4 is available. 3. Follow on-screen instructions to download and install. 4. Restart when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict execution of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted software
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running macOS Monterey and version is less 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 2022-004 is installed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Unusual process creation with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- None specific to this vulnerability as it's local exploitation
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="kernel_extension_load" OR event="privilege_escalation")