CVE-2022-32858 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically related to improper memory handling that allows an application to leak sensitive kernel state information. The vulnerability arises from a flaw in how the operating system manages memory, which could be exploited by a malicious app to access kernel memory contents that should remain protected. This leakage could expose sensitive data about the kernel's internal state, potentially aiding attackers in further exploitation or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability does not allow direct modification of kernel memory or denial of service but compromises confidentiality by leaking information. It requires local access with limited privileges (no prior authentication needed) but does require user interaction to trigger the leak. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved memory handling in iOS 16, macOS Ventura 13, and watchOS 9. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the affected versions are unspecified but presumably earlier than the patched releases. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity with a vector of AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, unchanged scope, high confidentiality impact, and no integrity or availability impact. The vulnerability corresponds to CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information).

For European organizations using Apple macOS devices, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality. Sensitive kernel state information leakage could facilitate attackers in crafting more effective attacks, such as privilege escalation or bypassing security controls, especially in environments where macOS devices are used for sensitive operations. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the leaked kernel information could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks. Organizations in sectors with high security requirements—such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure—may be particularly concerned. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but insider threats or social engineering attacks could still exploit this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk, but the presence of a public CVE and medium severity score means organizations should prioritize patching to prevent future exploitation. Additionally, macOS is widely used in European enterprises and creative industries, so the impact could be significant if exploited in targeted attacks.

European organizations should ensure all macOS devices are updated to macOS Ventura 13 or later, or apply the relevant patches provided by Apple for earlier versions. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, user education on the risks of running untrusted applications is critical. Implement application whitelisting and restrict installation of apps from unverified sources to reduce the attack surface. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring unusual local app behavior that might attempt to access kernel memory. Regularly audit and monitor macOS devices for signs of compromise or anomalous activity. For environments with high security needs, consider deploying macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and kernel extension (kext) whitelisting. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of macOS devices and enforce strict access controls to minimize the risk of local exploitation.