Security Update - Catalina: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2022-26697 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Security Update - Catalina 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 version 2022 as the first without the flaw, so updating Security Update - Catalina to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.08% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 66% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Security Update - Catalina to 2022 or a later version.
- Update macOS to 11.6 or 12.4, 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 | Security Update - Catalina | before 2022 | 2022 |
| Apple | macOS | before 11.6; before 12.4 | 11.6, 12.4 |
| Apple | Mac OS X | after 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 issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in Security Update 2022-004 Catalina, macOS Monterey 12.4, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6. 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/HT213255Release Notes
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213256Release Notes
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213257Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in Security Update - Catalina
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 5.5 Medium severity
Apple macOS Out-of-Bounds Read Exploited
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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