CVE-2022-42806 is a serious security vulnerability that Apple patched in late 2022. It’s a race condition bug found deep in Apple’s kernel (the brain of the operating system), and it could allow a malicious app to execute any code it wants with kernel (root) privileges—in other words, take total control of your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

macOS Ventura 13

Before the fix, a crafty attacker could take advantage of a timing flaw to break through Apple’s most powerful security barriers.

What’s a Race Condition, and Why Does It Matter?

A *race condition* happens when two or more parts of a program try to change shared data at the same time. If the program doesn’t make sure only one part can act at once (using something called a lock), it gets “confused” and makes mistakes. Attackers love these bugs, because they can trick the program into skipping security checks—or running their own evil code.

Here’s a simple analogy

- Imagine two people trying to enter the same locked door with a key, but the lock is broken. Both think the door is locked and safe, but actually anyone could sneak in when they’re distracted.

In this CVE, the *broken lock* is in Apple’s kernel. If a malicious app times its attack just right, it can sneak in and run whatever code it wants—right at the heart of the OS.

Direct from Apple’s release notes

> A race condition was addressed with improved locking. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura 13.
> Impact: An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Source: Apple Security Release Notes

Exploit Details: How Might an Attacker Abuse This?

Apple hasn’t revealed every detail—and for good reason. But here’s a general idea of how these exploits usually work:

1. Identify the Race Condition: The attacker finds a function in the kernel that accesses shared data (like an array or a pointer), and the locking is faulty or missing.
2. Craft Malicious App: The attacker writes a specially crafted application that quickly runs parallel threads, each calling the vulnerable function at just the right time.
3. Trigger the Race: With clever timing, the app manipulates the shared data in a way the kernel didn’t expect. This lets the attacker slip past security checks or overwrite critical memory.
4. Arbitrary Code Execution: With the right move, the app gets the kernel to execute their *payload* (malicious code) as *root*.

Here’s pseudocode showing how a race condition might look

volatile int *ptr = NULL;

void thread1() {
    ptr = malloc(sizeof(int));
    *ptr = 42;   // Race: What if ptr changes before this line?
}

void thread2() {
    free(ptr);   // Race: ptr might be used after this!
    ptr = NULL;
}

If thread2 frees ptr *between* thread1 allocating memory and using it, thread1 might write to freed memory—opening the door for code execution or corruption.

Here’s a simplified exploit scenario (for illustration, not the actual Apple code)

// Malicious user app (simplified pseudocode)
void racer() {
    while (true) {
        syscall_trigger_vulnerable_function();
    }
}

int main() {
    // Launch multiple threads to trigger the race condition
    for (int i = ; i < 16; ++i) {
        pthread_create(&tid, NULL, racer, NULL);
    }
    // Expect kernel crash or escalated privileges ...
}

With enough speed and luck, this barrage can uncover the race and escalate privileges.

The Fix: Improved Locking

Apple fixed CVE-2022-42806 by adding stronger locking mechanisms to the vulnerable kernel code. This ensures that only one piece of the code changes or reads the shared memory at a time—removing the timing window the attacker needs.

This is why updating to the latest OS version is crucial. Without the fix, you’re at risk for total device compromise.

Additional Resources and References

- Apple Security Release Notes (iOS 16.1)
- CVE-2022-42806 at NVD
- Apple Kernel Security
- Explaining Race Conditions (YouTube video)

Should You Worry? What to Do Next

If you haven’t updated your iPhone, iPad, or Mac since October 2022—do it now.
Attackers count on users running out-of-date operating systems, especially for exploits like this.

To update

- On your device, go to *Settings > General > Software Update* (iOS/iPadOS)

On your Mac, go to *System Settings > General > Software Update*

Stay safe—keep your devices patched and avoid sketchy apps or downloads!


*This post offers a simplified, unique view into CVE-2022-42806, aimed at everyday users and curious techies. For technical deep-dives, explore the full Apple advisories and CVE details above.*

Timeline

Published on: 11/01/2022 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/03/2022 03:55:00 UTC