CVE-2022-32788: Apple macOS · A remote user may be able to cause kernel code execution
Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 9.8 Critical · fixed in 8.7 : patch Apple macOS as a priority.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 06:26 UTC
- EPSS
- 2.8% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 86% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 8.7
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 20 Sep 2022
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-26.
What to do
AI-suggested
European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple, specifically macOS Monterey 12.5 and the corresponding updates for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Beyond patching, organizations should implement network-level protections such as strict firewall rules to limit exposure of Apple devices to untrusted networks, especially blocking unnecessary inbound connections. Employing network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with updated signatures can help detect exploitation attempts. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be tuned to monitor for anomalous kernel-level activity indicative of exploitation. Organizations should enforce strict device management policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to ensure timely patch deployment and compliance. Additionally, network segmentation can limit the spread of an attacker who gains initial access. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focusing on Apple device security posture are recommended. Finally, user awareness training should emphasize the importance of applying updates promptly, even though no user interaction is required for exploitation.
Description
A buffer overflow was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6, iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5. A remote user may be able to cause kernel code execution.