CVE-2022-42840
Published: April 11, 2026
Official Description
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.6.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, macOS Big Sur 11.7.2, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Risk Analysis
A memory handling issue in macOS and iOS/iPadOS could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This elevation of privilege poses a severe security risk. The confirmed exploitation in the wild makes this a critical vulnerability.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, indicating confirmed real-world attacks.
Update macOS Monterey to 12.6.2, macOS Ventura to 13.1, macOS Big Sur to 11.7.2, iOS to 15.7.2 or iPadOS to 15.7.2, and iOS to 16.2 or iPadOS to 16.2 to improve memory handling.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-42840 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2022-42840 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2022-42840 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1