CVE-2022-32782 is a vulnerability identified in Apple macOS, specifically affecting versions prior to macOS Monterey 12.4. The issue arises from an app running with root privileges being able to access private information that it should not be authorized to access. The vulnerability is related to improper access control (CWE-269), where an application with elevated privileges can bypass intended security restrictions. Apple addressed this vulnerability by enabling the hardened runtime feature in macOS Monterey 12.4, which enforces stricter runtime protections and mitigates unauthorized access to sensitive data by privileged applications. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.4, indicating a medium severity level. The vector indicates that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), high privileges (PR:H), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality (C:H) without affecting integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild, and the vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have root privileges on the system, which limits the attack surface to scenarios where an attacker already has significant access.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32782 is primarily related to confidentiality breaches on macOS systems. Since exploitation requires root privileges, the vulnerability is more relevant in environments where attackers have already compromised user accounts or systems with elevated permissions. Sensitive information stored on macOS devices, such as intellectual property, personal data, or credentials, could be exposed if exploited. This could lead to data leakage incidents, regulatory compliance issues under GDPR, and potential reputational damage. Organizations using macOS in critical roles, such as software development, research, or executive operations, may face higher risks. However, the requirement for local root access reduces the likelihood of remote exploitation, making this vulnerability more a concern for insider threats or post-compromise scenarios rather than initial attack vectors.

European organizations should ensure all macOS devices are updated to at least macOS Monterey 12.4 or later, where the hardened runtime is enabled by default, mitigating this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict access controls to limit root access only to trusted administrators and use endpoint protection solutions that monitor for privilege escalation attempts. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative accounts, can reduce the risk of unauthorized root access. Regular auditing and monitoring of privileged account activities on macOS systems can help detect suspicious behavior early. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of granting root privileges to untrusted applications and enforce policies that restrict installation of software from unverified sources.