macOS: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type
CVE-2022-46706 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type 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, 11.6 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 0.24% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update macOS to 12.3 or 11.6, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Security Update - Catalina to 2022 or a later version.
- Update securtiy_update_catalina to 2022 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 | 12.3, 11.6 |
| Apple | Security Update - Catalina | before 2022 | 2022 |
| Apple | securtiy_update_catalina | before 2022 | 2022 |
| Apple | Mac OS X | 10.15.7 | Not stated |
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.
Official description
A type confusion issue was addressed with improved state handling. This issue is fixed in Security Update 2022-003 Catalina, macOS Monterey 12.3, macOS Big Sur 11.6.5. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type
The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.
More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- 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 Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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