CVE-2022-32831 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS systems, specifically related to the processing of AppleScript binaries. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read condition, classified under CWE-125, which occurs when the system processes a maliciously crafted AppleScript binary. This flaw allows an attacker to cause unexpected termination of the affected process or potentially disclose sensitive process memory contents. The root cause is insufficient bounds checking during the parsing or execution of AppleScript binaries, which can be exploited by an attacker to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions, including macOS Catalina (fixed in Security Update 2022-005), macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, and macOS Monterey 12.5. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H) shows that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), user interaction (UI:R), and impacts confidentiality (C:H) and availability (A:H) but not integrity (I:N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability could be leveraged by an attacker who can convince a user to open or process a malicious AppleScript binary, leading to potential leakage of sensitive memory data or denial of service through process termination. The fix involves improved bounds checking implemented in the specified security updates.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk particularly to those using Apple macOS systems in their IT environments. Confidentiality impact is high due to potential disclosure of process memory, which could contain sensitive information such as credentials, encryption keys, or proprietary data. Availability impact is also high as the vulnerability can cause unexpected termination of processes, potentially disrupting business-critical applications or workflows that rely on AppleScript automation. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology firms that use macOS devices for development, administration, or end-user operations could be affected. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may be targeted with malicious files via email, messaging, or compromised websites. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future exploitation. Organizations with mixed OS environments that include macOS should prioritize patching to prevent lateral movement or targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Deploy the security updates released by Apple promptly—Security Update 2022-005 for Catalina, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, and macOS Monterey 12.5—to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2) Enforce strict user awareness training to prevent opening or executing untrusted AppleScript binaries, emphasizing the risk of social engineering attacks that could deliver malicious scripts. 3) Implement application whitelisting or macOS Gatekeeper policies to restrict execution of unsigned or untrusted AppleScript binaries. 4) Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous script execution or memory access patterns. 5) Monitor system logs and behavior for signs of unexpected process termination or unusual AppleScript activity. 6) Limit local user privileges where possible to reduce the impact of local attacks. 7) Employ network segmentation to isolate macOS systems handling sensitive tasks, reducing exposure to malicious files from less secure segments. These measures, combined with timely patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.