CVE-2022-32832: Apple macOS · An app with root privileges may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 6.7 Medium · fixed in 15.6 : update Apple macOS when convenient.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.9% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 62% 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:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 23 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
1. Immediate deployment of Apple’s security updates that address CVE-2022-32832 across all affected macOS and related Apple OS devices is essential. Ensure macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, macOS Monterey 12.5, or later versions are installed. 2. Enforce strict access controls and limit root-level access to trusted administrators only, reducing the likelihood of an attacker obtaining the initial root privileges needed for exploitation. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity or privilege escalation attempts on macOS devices. 4. Conduct regular audits of macOS systems to detect unauthorized root accounts or privilege escalations. 5. Educate users and administrators on phishing and social engineering risks that could lead to initial root compromise. 6. Employ application whitelisting and system integrity protection features available in macOS to restrict execution of unauthorized code. 7. Maintain comprehensive backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises involving kernel-level exploits. 8. Monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability.
Description
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5, Security Update 2022-005 Catalina. An app with root privileges may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
References
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213345 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213340 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213342 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213346 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213344 (opens in a new tab)
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213343 (opens in a new tab)