CVE-2022-32837 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and related operating systems including tvOS, iOS, and iPadOS prior to versions macOS Monterey 12.5, tvOS 15.6, iOS 15.6, and iPadOS 15.6. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation checks within the kernel, specifically related to memory operations. An unprivileged application may exploit this flaw to cause unexpected system termination (crashes) or, more critically, write arbitrary data into kernel memory. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which can lead to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution in kernel space. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) shows that the attack requires local access (local attack vector), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The scope is unchanged, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. Apple addressed this vulnerability by implementing improved validation checks in the affected operating systems. There are no known exploits in the wild reported at the time of publication, but the potential for exploitation remains significant given the ability to write kernel memory and cause system crashes. This vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious applications or attackers who trick users into running crafted apps, leading to system compromise or denial of service.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32837 can be substantial, especially those relying on Apple hardware and software ecosystems. The ability for an unprivileged app to write to kernel memory can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt critical services through system crashes. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that use macOS devices for daily operations could face data breaches, operational downtime, and loss of trust. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious apps, increasing the risk. The vulnerability also affects iOS and iPadOS devices, which are widely used in enterprise mobility, potentially exposing mobile endpoints to compromise. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, exploitation could lead to significant regulatory and compliance consequences under GDPR and other European data protection laws.

European organizations should prioritize patching affected Apple devices by upgrading to macOS Monterey 12.5 or later, and the corresponding versions of iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious app execution. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual kernel-level activity or crashes indicative of exploitation attempts. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of installing unverified apps and recognizing social engineering tactics. Network segmentation can limit the lateral movement of attackers if a device is compromised. Additionally, organizations should enforce the use of Apple’s built-in security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and enable full disk encryption to protect data confidentiality. Regular vulnerability assessments and audits of Apple device configurations will help ensure compliance and early detection of potential exploitation.