CVE-2022-26761

Kernel code execution via Wi-Fi memory corruption

Published May 26, 2022 · Updated May 30, 2025

Memory corruption in the Wi-Fi component of Apple macOS allows local applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple has not disclosed the corrupted object, triggering input, or incorrect memory operation beyond stating that Wi-Fi used improper memory handling. A locally running application is required; successful exploitation grants kernel-level code execution and control of the host.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.90%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Memory corruption in the Wi-Fi component of Apple macOS allows local applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple has not disclosed the corrupted object, triggering input, or incorrect memory operation beyond stating that Wi-Fi used improper memory handling. A locally running application is required; successful exploitation grants kernel-level code execution and control of the host.

The record

CVE
CVE-2022-26761
Published
May 26, 2022
Updated
May 30, 2025
Vendor
Apple
Product
Security Update Catalina
Classifications
CWE-787, T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. May 26, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. May 30, 2025Record 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 <2022

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · Security Update Catalinaversion=unspecified <2022
Apple · macOSversion=unspecified <11.6

Published CVSS scores

9.3NIST NVDAV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
7.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
7.8CISA-ADPCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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-787Out-of-bounds Write
T1068Exploitation 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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