CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-22657NVD status: Modified

macOS: Improper Initialization

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-22657 is a high-severity improper initialization vulnerability in macOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 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, 10.7, 10.4 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 1.1% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 66% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update macOS to 12.3 or 10.7 or 10.4, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update Garageband to 10.4.6 or a later version.
  3. Update Logic Pro X to 10.7.3 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ApplemacOSbefore 12.3; before 10.7; before 10.412.3, 10.7, 10.4
AppleGaragebandbefore 10.4.610.4.6
AppleLogic Pro Xbefore 10.7.310.7.3

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
HighData or code can be modified at will.
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:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD
CVSS 2.06.8MediumNVD

Official description

A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in Logic Pro 10.7.3, GarageBand 10.4.6, macOS Monterey 12.3. Opening a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Initialization

The product does not initialize or incorrectly initializes a resource.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Use a language that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, in Java, if the programmer does not explicitly initialize a variable, then the code could produce a compile-time error (if the variable is local) or automatically initialize the variable to the default value for the variable's type. In Perl, if explicit initialization is not performed, then a default value of undef is assigned, which is interpreted as 0, false, or an equivalent value depending on the context in which the variable is accessed.
  • Identify all variables and data stores that receive information from external sources, and apply input validation to make sure that they are only initialized to expected values.
  • Explicitly initialize all your variables and other data stores, either during declaration or just before the first usage.

More Improper Initialization vulnerabilities (CWE-665)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in macOS

All macOS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Initialization vulnerabilities

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