CVE-2022-32828 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and related operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS prior to versions 15.6 and macOS Monterey 12.5. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling that allows a local application to disclose kernel memory contents. Specifically, an unprivileged app with limited permissions (no privileges required) but requiring user interaction can exploit this flaw to read sensitive kernel memory. This could potentially expose confidential information stored in kernel space, such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability does not allow modification of kernel memory or denial of service, but the confidentiality impact is high. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have access to run code on the target device, and user interaction is required (UI:R), such as running a malicious app or opening a crafted file. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved memory handling in the specified OS versions. There are no known exploits in the wild reported to date, and no public exploit code is available. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity with high confidentiality impact but no integrity or availability impact.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2022-32828 is the potential leakage of sensitive kernel memory information on Apple devices used within their infrastructure. This could lead to exposure of sensitive credentials, cryptographic material, or other confidential data, which may facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement. Organizations relying on macOS or Apple mobile devices for sensitive operations, especially those in regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, or government, could face increased risk of data breaches or compliance violations if devices remain unpatched. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or targeted attacks involving social engineering could leverage this vulnerability. Since many European enterprises and public sector entities use Apple products, the vulnerability could impact endpoint security and data confidentiality. However, the absence of known exploits and the availability of patches mitigate the immediate risk if timely updates are applied.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to macOS Monterey 12.5, iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, and tvOS 15.6 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict application control policies to prevent installation or execution of untrusted or unsigned applications that could exploit this flaw. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious local activity indicative of attempts to access kernel memory. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of running untrusted apps or opening unknown files to reduce the risk of user interaction-based exploitation. Additionally, organizations should audit and restrict local user privileges to minimize the number of users who can run arbitrary code locally. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory should include checks for Apple OS versions to ensure compliance with patching policies. Finally, consider implementing kernel integrity protection mechanisms and monitoring system logs for anomalous behavior related to kernel memory access.