CVE-2022-26772 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically addressed in macOS Monterey 12.4. The vulnerability stems from a memory corruption issue related to improper state management within the kernel. Exploitation of this flaw allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively granting the attacker full control over the affected system at the highest privilege level. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119, which pertains to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, a common cause of memory corruption issues. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects its high impact, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), required user interaction (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the ability to escalate privileges to kernel level makes this a critical threat for targeted attacks. No known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date, but the potential for severe system compromise remains significant. The vulnerability was mitigated by Apple through improved state management in the kernel, emphasizing the importance of applying the macOS 12.4 update or later to remediate this issue.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-26772 can be substantial, especially for entities relying on macOS devices within their IT infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass all security controls, access sensitive data, install persistent malware, or disrupt system availability. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive personal data under GDPR, such as healthcare, finance, and government agencies, where confidentiality and integrity are paramount. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as phishing or social engineering could facilitate initial access. Organizations with hybrid or remote work environments using macOS endpoints are at risk if devices are not promptly updated. Additionally, the ability to gain kernel-level privileges could enable attackers to evade detection by security software, complicating incident response efforts. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation, making proactive patching critical.

European organizations should prioritize the following mitigation steps: 1) Immediate deployment of macOS Monterey 12.4 or later on all vulnerable devices to apply the official patch addressing this vulnerability. 2) Implement strict endpoint security policies to limit local user privileges and reduce the likelihood of unprivileged users executing malicious applications. 3) Enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing and avoiding social engineering and phishing attempts that could lead to local code execution. 4) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and blocking suspicious kernel-level activities. 5) Regularly audit and inventory macOS devices to ensure compliance with patch management policies. 6) For high-security environments, consider network segmentation to isolate macOS endpoints and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 7) Monitor security advisories for any emerging exploit reports related to this CVE to adjust defenses accordingly.