CVE-2022-32814 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and related operating systems including watchOS, tvOS, iOS, and iPadOS. The vulnerability arises from a type confusion issue within the kernel, which is a critical component responsible for managing system resources and enforcing security boundaries. Type confusion occurs when a program incorrectly interprets a piece of memory as a different data type than intended, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior. In this case, the flaw allows a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Kernel privileges represent the highest level of access on the system, enabling an attacker to bypass security controls, manipulate system processes, access sensitive data, and persist undetected. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved state handling, and patches were released in watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6, iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, and macOS Monterey 12.5. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack requires local access with low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability fully. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, but the potential for exploitation is significant given the nature of the vulnerability. The CWE associated is CWE-843 (Type Confusion), which is a common source of memory corruption vulnerabilities leading to privilege escalation. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows privilege escalation from a local user or malicious app to kernel-level control, which can compromise the entire system.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32814 can be substantial, especially those relying on Apple hardware and software ecosystems. Organizations using macOS devices in corporate environments, including developers, creative industries, financial institutions, and government agencies, could face risks of unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain kernel-level control, enabling them to install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. This could lead to loss of intellectual property, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), reputational damage, and operational downtime. The vulnerability's requirement for local access means that initial compromise vectors might include malicious insiders, compromised user accounts, or social engineering to install a malicious app. Given the high privileges obtained, lateral movement within networks and evasion of endpoint security solutions are also possible. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers may develop exploits over time. The impact is heightened in sectors with stringent security requirements and high-value targets, such as finance, healthcare, and government.

To mitigate CVE-2022-32814 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize prompt deployment of Apple’s security updates for all affected devices, including macOS Monterey 12.5 and corresponding versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. 2) Implement strict application control policies to restrict installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting the vulnerability. 3) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring kernel-level activities and detecting anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 4) Enforce the principle of least privilege on user accounts to limit the potential impact of local exploits. 5) Conduct regular security awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could lead to local compromise. 6) Utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to ensure devices remain up to date and compliant with security policies. 7) Monitor system logs and audit trails for unusual kernel activity or crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. 8) For high-security environments, consider network segmentation and restricting physical access to devices to minimize attack surface. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the likelihood and impact of exploitation.