CVE-2022-26762 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Monterey 12.4, iOS 15.5, and iPadOS 15.5. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling that could allow a maliciously crafted application to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. This means an attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can gain full control over the affected system, bypassing normal security restrictions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating that the flaw involves writing data outside the intended memory boundaries, which can corrupt memory and lead to code execution. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have local access to the device but no privileges (PR:N) or elevated permissions. User interaction is required (UI:R), meaning the victim must run or open the malicious application. The scope is unchanged (S:U), so the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation exists given the severity and the ability to escalate privileges to system level. This vulnerability is critical for environments where macOS devices are used, as it can lead to full system compromise if exploited. Organizations relying on Apple devices should prioritize patching to mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in sectors where macOS devices are prevalent, such as creative industries, software development, and certain enterprise environments. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within networks. The ability to execute code with system privileges could allow attackers to install persistent malware, exfiltrate confidential information, or disrupt business operations. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, organizations handling personal data under GDPR must be particularly cautious, as breaches could lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with shared workstations or where users may be tricked into running malicious applications. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future exploitation, making timely patching essential.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation approach: 1) Immediate deployment of the security updates provided by Apple for macOS Monterey 12.4, iOS 15.5, and iPadOS 15.5 to all affected devices. 2) Enforce strict application control policies using tools like Apple’s Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) to prevent untrusted or unsigned applications from executing. 3) Educate users about the risks of running unverified applications and implement phishing awareness training to reduce the likelihood of user interaction with malicious apps. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Restrict local access to critical systems and enforce least privilege principles to minimize the attack surface. 6) Regularly audit and monitor macOS devices for signs of compromise, including unusual process executions or privilege escalations. 7) Maintain an inventory of all Apple devices to ensure timely patch management and compliance verification.