CVE-2022-22615

Kernel code execution via use-after-free

Published Mar 18, 2022 · Updated Aug 3, 2024

Kernel use-after-free in Apple operating systems allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges through an application. The kernel accesses memory after freeing it; Apple has not disclosed the affected kernel routine or object. Exploitation requires a locally launched application and user interaction, and successful abuse grants kernel-level code execution.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability1.33%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Kernel use-after-free in Apple operating systems allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges through an application. The kernel accesses memory after freeing it; Apple has not disclosed the affected kernel routine or object. Exploitation requires a locally launched application and user interaction, and successful abuse grants kernel-level code execution.

The record

CVE
CVE-2022-22615
Published
Mar 18, 2022
Updated
Aug 3, 2024
Vendor
Apple
Product
iOS and iPadOS
Classifications
CWE-416, T1068, T1404
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Mar 18, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 3, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=unspecified <15.4

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · iOS and iPadOSversion=unspecified <15.4
Apple · tvOSversion=unspecified <15.4
Apple · macOSversion=unspecified <11.6; version=unspecified <12.3; version=unspecified <2022
Apple · watchOSversion=unspecified <8.5

Published CVSS scores

7.8NIST National Vulnerability DatabaseCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
9.3NIST National Vulnerability DatabaseAV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-416Use After Free
T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation
T1404Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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