CVE-2022-22675 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Apple macOS. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 4 April 2022, which means attackers have used it in real attacks. macOS Monterey contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
What this vulnerability means
An out-of-bounds write means code writes past the memory region it was allowed to use. In a kernel context, that is especially dangerous because the bug sits close to the core of the operating system, where memory corruption can affect system stability, privilege boundaries and the integrity of security controls.
For macOS users, the practical concern is not just a crash. A flaw that can let an application execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges can turn a user-level foothold into deeper system control, which is why security teams treat memory-safety bugs in system components as high priority even before they know the exact exploit chain.
Why this CVE is dangerous in macOS
This CVE is dangerous because the vulnerable component is part of the operating system, not a standalone app. Once an attacker reaches kernel-level execution, they can often disable or tamper with protections that normally limit malware, telemetry and forensic visibility. That changes the problem from a simple application compromise to a platform integrity issue.
CISA added the issue to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 4 April 2022, which is a strong indicator that the weakness was used in real attacks. For authoritative version and patch information, readers should rely on Apple’s advisory and the NIST National Vulnerability Database entry rather than reusing secondary summaries.
How organisations assess exposure and exposure paths
Exposure starts with knowing where macOS Monterey is deployed, which devices are internet-facing, and which endpoints can be reached by untrusted content or software. Asset inventory matters because a kernel bug is only relevant where the affected platform version is actually present, and the risk is higher on systems that accept untrusted code, attachments or downloads.
Security teams should also check whether the organisation depends on Apple security updates in a way that creates patching lag. Public records in the CVE Program and vendor advisories help confirm the exact weakness being discussed, while local inventory and endpoint telemetry show whether the organisation still has potentially exposed Macs in service.
Remediation, detection and post-exploitation review
When a patch is available, the priority is to move affected macOS devices to the vendor-fixed release as quickly as operationally possible. If patching must wait, compensating controls such as limiting untrusted software execution, tightening endpoint policy, reducing administrative exposure and increasing monitoring for abnormal process or kernel activity can reduce the window of risk.
Detection should not stop at patch deployment. Because the vulnerability was exploited in the wild, organisations should review affected machines for signs of prior compromise, unusual persistence, suspicious tooling, and any evidence that attacker activity occurred before remediation. The Vulnerability Management Guide is a useful companion for prioritising KEV-listed issues and verifying remediation outcomes.
Identity and recovery implications after exploitation
If exploitation occurred, the response should include identity and access review, not just operating-system repair. A kernel compromise can expose sessions, cached credentials, tokens, certificates or privileged software channels that were active on the device, so post-incident containment may require rotation or reissue of sensitive material.
That review is especially important when the affected Mac was used for administration, development, code signing or access to cloud services. In those cases, the device may have functioned as a trust bridge, so compromise assessment needs to extend to accounts and secrets that the machine could reach.
Risk and Threat Considerations
Kernel memory corruption is attractive to attackers because it can convert a user-space foothold into deeper privilege, persistence or defense evasion. With a KEV-listed vulnerability, the threat is not theoretical, it is a real exploitation path that can be used to undermine endpoint trust and hide subsequent activity.
Failure mechanism: An out-of-bounds write can corrupt adjacent kernel memory, which may let attacker-controlled code alter execution flow, bypass protections or gain higher privilege than the application should ever have.
Impact: The result can be arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, broader system compromise, and a much harder incident response because the attacker may be operating beneath normal userland visibility.
Standards & Framework Alignment
This section maps relevant standards and security frameworks to the operational risks and controls described in this guidance.
MITRE ATT&CK addresses the attack and risk surface, while NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and CIS Controls v8 set the governance and control requirements practitioners need to meet.
| Framework | Control / Reference | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| MITRE ATT&CK | T1068 — Exploitation for Privilege Escalation | Kernel out-of-bounds write can be used to elevate attacker privilege on macOS. |
| T1055 — Process Injection | Kernel compromise often supports stealthy code execution and evasion on the host. | |
| Recommendation — Map observed exploitation to T1068 and hunt for privilege-escalation activity on affected endpoints. Correlate suspicious host behaviour with T1055-style injection and post-exploitation tradecraft. | ||
| NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 | SI-2 — Flaw Remediation | This CVE requires timely vulnerability remediation and verification across macOS assets. |
| SI-4 — System Monitoring | Active exploitation demands detection of abnormal kernel or endpoint behaviour. | |
| Recommendation — Track patch status under SI-2 and verify remediation on every affected Mac. Use SI-4 telemetry to detect suspicious behaviour before and after patching. | ||
| CIS Controls v8 | CIS-7 — Continuous Vulnerability Management | KEV-listed macOS vulnerabilities belong in continuous prioritisation and remediation workflows. |
| Recommendation — Prioritise this CVE in CIS-7 workflows and confirm devices are remediated promptly. | ||
Practitioner Guidance
Why practitioners should care: Treat KEV-listed macOS kernel issues as urgent endpoint integrity problems, not routine application bugs. The operational priority is to reduce exposure first, then confirm that patching actually removed the exploit path.
What to watch for: Look for devices that remain on vulnerable macOS builds, systems with delayed update enforcement, and endpoints that show signs of suspicious post-exploitation behaviour after the patch window closes.
Practitioner takeaway: When a kernel CVE has active exploitation, response should combine patching, compromise review and credential hygiene, because fixing the OS alone may not restore trust in the device.
Related resources from NHI Mgmt Group
Deepen Your Knowledge
Free weekly newsletter
Subscribe to the NHI & AI Identity Journal
The latest on NHI and Agentic AI security – articles, research, breaches, news and events every week.
Bonus 33% off our NHI Course when you subscribe.
Reviewed and updated by the NHIMG editorial team on October 17, 2026.
NHI Mgmt Group — the #1 independent authority on Non-Human Identity, IAM, and Agentic AI security. nhimg.org