CVE-2022-26769: Apple Security Update – Catalina · A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
Affects Apple Security Update – CatalinaSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 08:30 UTC
- EPSS
- 1.0% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 64% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 26 May 2022
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
AI-suggested
European organizations should prioritize deploying the Security Update 2022-004 for macOS Catalina, as well as updates for Big Sur and Monterey, across all affected devices without delay. Beyond patching, organizations should implement application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized applications, reducing the risk of malicious code execution. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual kernel-level activity indicative of exploitation attempts. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of running untrusted applications and recognizing social engineering tactics. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. Additionally, enforcing least privilege principles and disabling unnecessary local accounts can reduce the attack surface. Regular vulnerability scanning and compliance checks should verify patch deployment status. For organizations with macOS management capabilities, automated patch management tools should be leveraged to ensure timely updates. Finally, maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures will mitigate impact in case of successful exploitation.
Description
A memory corruption 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. A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.