macOS: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2022-22626 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in macOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 12.3, 11.6, 2022 as the first without the flaw, so updating macOS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.13% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 67% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update macOS to 12.3 or 11.6 or 2022, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Mac OS X to 10.15.7 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | macOS | before 12.3; before 11.6; before 2022 | 12.3, 11.6, 2022 |
| Apple | Mac OS X | 10.15 up to, but not including, 10.15.7; 10.15.7 | 10.15.7 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 5.8 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.6.5, macOS Monterey 12.3, Security Update 2022-003 Catalina. Processing a maliciously crafted AppleScript binary may result in unexpected application termination or disclosure of process memory.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213183Release Notes
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213184Release Notes
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213185Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in macOS
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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