CVE-2022-32825 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, as well as other Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability allows a local application to disclose kernel memory due to insufficient memory handling. Specifically, an app with limited privileges but requiring user interaction (UI:R) can exploit this flaw to read sensitive kernel memory contents, potentially exposing confidential information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which relates to information exposure. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a moderate impact primarily on confidentiality, with no impact on integrity or availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device, and no privileges are required (PR:N). The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved memory handling in updates released in September 2022, including macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.5, iOS 15.6, and others. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The vulnerability's root cause is related to improper handling of kernel memory, which could allow an app to read sensitive kernel data that should be protected from user-space applications. This could lead to information disclosure that might facilitate further attacks or compromise user privacy.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to confidentiality. Organizations using Apple macOS devices, particularly in environments where local access to devices is possible (e.g., shared workstations, public or semi-public access areas), could be at risk of sensitive kernel memory disclosure. This could lead to leakage of sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, system state, or other kernel-resident data that attackers could leverage for privilege escalation or lateral movement. While the vulnerability does not directly impact system integrity or availability, the information disclosed could be used in targeted attacks against high-value assets. Sectors with high reliance on Apple hardware, such as creative industries, education, and certain governmental agencies, may be more exposed. Additionally, organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies that include Apple devices should be aware of this risk. The requirement for user interaction and local access limits remote exploitation, reducing the risk from external attackers but increasing concern for insider threats or compromised devices within physical premises.

European organizations should ensure all Apple devices are updated promptly to the fixed versions: macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.5, iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, watchOS 8.7, and tvOS 15.6 or later. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict physical security controls to limit unauthorized local access to devices. Implementing endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious local application behavior can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. User education to avoid running untrusted applications and restricting installation privileges can reduce the attack surface. For environments with shared devices, consider session isolation and strong authentication to prevent unauthorized use. Regular audits of installed applications and system logs can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should integrate this vulnerability into their risk management and incident response plans, ensuring readiness to respond to any exploitation attempts.