CVE-2022-32847 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems, including macOS (Big Sur 11.6.8, Monterey 12.5, Security Update 2022-005 Catalina), iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, watchOS 8.7, and tvOS 15.6. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation checks in the kernel, which could allow a remote attacker to cause unexpected system termination (kernel panic) or corrupt kernel memory. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-119, indicating a memory safety issue such as a buffer overflow or improper memory handling. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.1, reflecting a critical severity level. The vector string (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack can be executed remotely over the network without any privileges or user interaction, and while confidentiality is not impacted, the integrity and availability of the system can be severely compromised. Exploitation could lead to kernel memory corruption, potentially enabling privilege escalation, arbitrary code execution at the kernel level, or denial of service through system crashes. Apple addressed this vulnerability by implementing improved input validation and memory handling checks in the affected operating systems. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported at the time of publication, the critical nature and ease of exploitation make timely patching essential.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32847 is significant, especially for those relying on Apple hardware and software ecosystems. The vulnerability could lead to system instability, data corruption, or full system compromise, affecting business continuity and data integrity. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that use macOS or other affected Apple OS versions could face operational disruptions or targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability. The ability to exploit this flaw remotely without user interaction increases the risk of widespread automated attacks or targeted intrusions. Additionally, kernel-level compromise could facilitate lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or deployment of persistent malware, thereby escalating the severity of the breach. Given the widespread use of Apple devices in European enterprises and public sector entities, failure to promptly apply patches could expose sensitive information and critical systems to attackers.

European organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for all affected operating systems, including macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, Monterey 12.5, Security Update 2022-005 Catalina, iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, watchOS 8.7, and tvOS 15.6. Beyond patching, organizations should implement network-level protections such as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for anomalous traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Restricting unnecessary network exposure of Apple devices, especially those running vulnerable OS versions, can reduce attack surface. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting kernel-level anomalies can help identify exploitation attempts early. Regularly auditing and updating asset inventories to ensure all Apple devices are accounted for and patched is critical. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls and network segmentation to limit the impact of a potential compromise. User awareness training should emphasize the importance of timely updates and recognizing unusual device behavior. Finally, maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures will mitigate the impact of potential data loss or system downtime caused by exploitation.