Kernel code execution via vm_object use-after-free
Published Nov 1, 2022 · Updated Apr 22, 2025
Kernel logic error in Apple macOS, tvOS, and watchOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges through a malicious app. The vm_map_enter error path mishandles a virtual-memory object reference, leaving a freed vm_object reachable for later use. Execution requires local user interaction with the app; successful exploitation grants kernel-context control over system data and execution.
Summary
What happened
Kernel logic error in Apple macOS, tvOS, and watchOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges through a malicious app. The vm_map_enter error path mishandles a virtual-memory object reference, leaving a freed vm_object reachable for later use. Execution requires local user interaction with the app; successful exploitation grants kernel-context control over system data and execution.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2022-42801
- Published
- Nov 1, 2022
- Updated
- Apr 22, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- tvOS
- Classifications
- CWE-693, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Nov 1, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 22, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
Compare your product and version with the public record. A matching version still requires validation against your environment.
Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <12.6
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <15.7
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <16.1
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
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.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- XNU vm_object Use-After-Freeproof of concept · unverified
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
See the directory against your own environment.
Your stack
Check the software in your environment
Book a demo to see how Hinoki identifies affected software and validates exploitability in your environment.
Book a demo