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CVE-2022-32840VulnerabilityPublished Updated

CVE-2022-32840: Apple macOS · An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges

Affects Apple macOSSource CVE Database V5

0

Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High : upgrade to 12.5 soon.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 06:26 UTC

CVSS 3.1 base score
7.8High
How severe the flaw is on the 0–10 CVSS scale.
EPSS
0.6% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 50% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
Patch
Available – fixed in 12.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Exploitation evidence

  1. Disclosed: evidence found.

    CVE published 24 Aug 2022

  2. Detectable: no evidence on record.

    No public nuclei template indexed

  3. Weaponised: no evidence on record.

    No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB

  4. Exploited in the wild: no evidence on record.

    Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation

  5. Observed by OffSeq 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 2026-10-26.

What to do

Upgrade apple/macos to 12.5.

Affected software

ProductAffectedFixed in
Appleapple/macospkg:deb/apple/macosOther threatsAffected
  • <12.5
Fixed in
  • 12.5

Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.

AI-suggested

European organizations should prioritize patching affected Apple devices by upgrading to macOS Monterey 12.5, iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, and watchOS 8.7 or later versions. Implement strict application control policies to restrict installation and execution of untrusted or unsigned applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps triggering the exploit. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity. Conduct user awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks that could lead to execution of malicious apps. Limit local access to devices by enforcing strong physical security controls and device lock policies. Regularly audit device compliance and maintain an inventory of Apple devices to ensure timely patch management. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the attack surface. Finally, monitor security advisories from Apple and threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit activity related to this vulnerability.

Description

This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.5, watchOS 8.7, iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

References

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