#VU64809 UNIX symbolic link following in macOS


Published: 2022-06-30

Vulnerability identifier: #VU64809

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 4.8 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-26688

CWE-ID: CWE-61

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
macOS
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Apple Inc.

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a symlink following issue within PackageKit. A local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwrite it with privileges of the application.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in privilege escalation.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

macOS: 12.0 21A344 - 12.2.1 21D62


External links
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213183
http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-877/


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.


Latest bulletins with this vulnerability