CVE-2022-32802: Apple macOS · Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to arbitrary code execution
Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High · fixed in 15.6 : patch Apple macOS soon.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 35% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 15.6
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/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 2026-10-25.
What to do
AI-suggested
European organizations should prioritize the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediate deployment of the official patches released by Apple in macOS Monterey 12.5 and corresponding iOS/iPadOS/tvOS versions to all affected devices. 2) Implement strict endpoint security controls that include file scanning and sandboxing to detect and block maliciously crafted files before they reach end users. 3) Enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing and avoiding suspicious files and phishing attempts, emphasizing the risk of opening unexpected attachments or downloads. 4) Employ application whitelisting and restrict execution privileges to limit the impact of any arbitrary code execution. 5) Monitor logs and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools for unusual file processing activities or indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability. 6) Enforce least privilege principles on macOS devices to reduce the potential damage from exploitation. 7) Regularly audit and update asset inventories to ensure all Apple devices are identified and patched promptly. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific attack vector (malicious file processing) and the operational context of Apple macOS environments.
Description
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6, tvOS 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to arbitrary code execution.