CVE-2022-32916 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple iOS, identified as an out-of-bounds read issue (CWE-125) that allows an application to disclose kernel memory. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation, permitting an app to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries within the kernel space. The kernel memory disclosure can potentially expose sensitive information such as kernel pointers, internal data structures, or other privileged information that could be leveraged for further exploitation, including privilege escalation or bypassing security mitigations like Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR). The vulnerability was addressed by Apple in iOS 16 through improved input validation to prevent out-of-bounds reads. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), no integrity impact (I:N), and no availability impact (A:N). There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and the affected versions are unspecified but presumably all iOS versions prior to iOS 16. This vulnerability requires a malicious app to be installed and user interaction to trigger the disclosure, limiting remote exploitation but still posing a risk especially in environments where untrusted apps may be installed or sideloaded.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability lies in the potential exposure of sensitive kernel memory information on iOS devices used within corporate or governmental environments. Disclosure of kernel memory can aid attackers in crafting more sophisticated exploits, potentially leading to privilege escalation or bypassing security controls on iOS devices. This could compromise the confidentiality of sensitive corporate data accessed or stored on iOS devices, especially in sectors with high security requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Although the vulnerability does not directly impact integrity or availability, the information leakage could be a stepping stone for more severe attacks. The requirement for local app installation and user interaction reduces the risk of widespread exploitation but does not eliminate it, particularly in organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or where app vetting is insufficient. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or entities within Europe, potentially leading to espionage or data breaches.

European organizations should ensure that all iOS devices are updated to iOS 16 or later, where this vulnerability is patched. Beyond standard patching, organizations should enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies to control app installations, limiting apps to those from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and employing app vetting procedures. User education is critical to prevent installation of untrusted apps and to avoid user interaction that could trigger the vulnerability. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious app behavior on iOS devices can help detect exploitation attempts. For high-security environments, consider restricting or disabling the installation of third-party apps altogether. Additionally, organizations should monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability and be prepared to respond promptly. Network segmentation and data encryption on devices can further reduce the impact of any potential compromise.