CVE-2022-22675: Apple macOS Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability

CVE-2022-22675 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Apple macOS that can let a malicious application run arbitrary code with kernel privileges. CISA notes it affects macOS Monterey and can elevate an app to the highest privilege level on the system, which makes containment and rapid patching essential for any environment that runs Mac endpoints.

Because kernel-level code execution undermines process isolation, disk encryption protections, and endpoint controls, IT and security teams should treat this as a high-priority local privilege-escalation risk and confirm exact impact against Apple’s advisory.

How it works

The flaw is classified under CWE-20 (improper input validation) and CWE-125 (out-of-bounds read), and is described as an out-of-bounds write condition. In practical terms, the operating system fails to properly validate or bound-check data supplied by an application before writing it into kernel memory. An attacker who can run code in user space—typically via a malicious or compromised application—can trigger the write past the intended buffer boundary. That corruption can be leveraged to alter kernel structures or control flow, resulting in arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.

No public exploit mechanics beyond this class description are provided here; defenders should rely on the vendor advisory for any additional technical detail rather than assuming specific trigger paths or primitives.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

The vulnerability is reported against Apple macOS, specifically called out for macOS Monterey in the CISA summary. It can appear on any Mac that has not received the corresponding security update—laptops, desktops, and any managed or BYOD devices running the affected release train.

• Inventory all Apple silicon and Intel Macs via MDM (Jamf, Kandji, Mosyle, Intune, etc.), Apple Business Manager, or endpoint agents; collect OS version strings and build numbers.
• Compare each device’s reported version against the fixed builds listed in Apple’s security advisory for CVE-2022-22675; do not rely on major-version labels alone.
• Flag systems that still show Monterey (or any other release Apple lists as vulnerable) and that allow installation of untrusted applications, as local code execution is the typical prerequisite.
• Review unified logs, endpoint detection telemetry, and process-creation events for unexpected applications requesting elevated entitlements or exhibiting kernel-facing crashes; such signals are generic indicators only and must be correlated with the vendor’s guidance.

How to remediate

Patch first. Apply the macOS security update that Apple released to address CVE-2022-22675, following the vendor’s instructions exactly. CISA’s required action is simply to apply updates per vendor instructions.

• Deploy the update through your MDM or software-update channel; verify installation with a post-patch inventory check.
• After patching, re-enable any temporarily disabled features only after confirming the fixed build is present.
• For this class of kernel memory-safety issue, also enforce application allow-listing, remove unnecessary admin rights, and keep Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection enabled so that untrusted code is harder to launch in the first place.

If you can't patch immediately

When immediate patching is blocked by testing or operational constraints, reduce the attack surface until the update can be applied.

• Segment Mac endpoints from high-value servers and restrict lateral movement paths; treat any unpatched Mac as a potential kernel-compromise host.
• Enforce strict application control so only signed, approved binaries can run; block sideloaded or unsigned packages.
• Use endpoint detection rules that alert on unusual kernel-module loads, privilege-escalation attempts, or crashes in system processes.
• If a virtual-patching or host-based IPS capability exists for macOS, enable signatures that target out-of-bounds write patterns, understanding these are only temporary mitigations.
• Disable or limit features that allow untrusted applications to execute until the official update is installed.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited kernel vulnerabilities can lead to full system compromise and subsequent data theft, even when ransomware use has not been documented for this CVE. If you suspect exposure, isolate the affected Mac, preserve forensic evidence, rotate credentials that may have been present on the device, and review network logs for follow-on activity. You can also run a free exposure scan of your email addresses against known breach data to determine whether associated credentials have appeared in prior incidents.