CVE-2022-32843 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS systems, specifically related to the processing of Postscript files. The root cause of the vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write condition, which occurs due to insufficient bounds checking when handling maliciously crafted Postscript files. This flaw can lead to unexpected application termination (crashes) or, more critically, disclosure of process memory contents. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions, including macOS Catalina (Security Update 2022-005), Big Sur 11.6.8, and Monterey 12.5, where it has been addressed through improved bounds checking. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.1, reflecting a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H) indicates that the attack requires local access (local vector), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The scope is unchanged, and the impact is high on confidentiality due to potential memory disclosure, with no impact on integrity but high impact on availability due to possible application crashes. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), a common memory corruption issue that can lead to serious security consequences. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential for sensitive information leakage and denial of service. The attack vector requires a user to open or process a malicious Postscript file locally, which could be delivered via email attachments, downloads, or removable media. Given the nature of macOS systems and the widespread use of Postscript files in printing and document workflows, this vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks or malware campaigns.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32843 can be substantial, especially for those relying on macOS environments in sectors such as creative industries, publishing, education, and government agencies where Postscript files are commonly used. The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information residing in process memory, potentially exposing confidential data or cryptographic keys. Additionally, the unexpected termination of applications could disrupt business operations, leading to denial of service conditions. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., GDPR-protected personal data) face increased compliance risks if memory disclosure leads to data breaches. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits the attack surface; however, phishing or social engineering could be used to trick users into opening malicious files. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits over time. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate to high risk to European organizations using affected macOS versions, particularly those with high-value targets or sensitive data.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize applying the official Apple security updates: Security Update 2022-005 for Catalina, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, and macOS Monterey 12.5 or later. Patch management policies should ensure timely deployment across all macOS endpoints. Additionally, organizations should implement strict email and file filtering to block or quarantine suspicious Postscript files and educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected attachments. Endpoint protection solutions with behavioral detection capabilities can help identify and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Restricting local user privileges and enforcing the principle of least privilege can reduce the impact of successful exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual application crashes or memory access patterns may aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should review and harden printing and document processing workflows to minimize exposure to malicious Postscript content.