CVE-2022-32922 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability affecting Apple macOS, specifically related to the processing of maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability arises from improper memory management within Safari and underlying web content processing components, leading to a use-after-free condition (CWE-416). When a user visits a specially crafted malicious web page, the vulnerability can be triggered, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The issue affects multiple Apple platforms including macOS Ventura 13, Safari 16.1, iOS 16.1, and iPadOS 16. The vulnerability requires user interaction in the form of visiting a malicious web page but does not require any prior authentication or privileges. Exploitation can result in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as arbitrary code execution can lead to installation of malware, data theft, or system disruption. Apple addressed the vulnerability by improving memory management to prevent the use-after-free condition. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild at the time of publication, the high CVSS score (8.8) and the nature of the vulnerability make it a critical risk, especially given the widespread use of Safari and Apple devices in enterprise and consumer environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Apple devices in both corporate and personal contexts. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks if compromised devices are connected to enterprise environments. The arbitrary code execution capability means attackers could deploy ransomware, spyware, or other malicious payloads, severely impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Given the integration of Apple devices in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure across Europe, the impact could be substantial. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction (visiting a malicious web page) means that phishing campaigns or malicious advertisements could be used as attack vectors, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity demands prompt action to prevent potential targeted attacks.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple devices to the patched versions: Safari 16.1, iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura 13 or later. Beyond patching, organizations should implement network-level protections such as web filtering to block access to known malicious sites and employ DNS filtering to reduce the risk of users visiting crafted malicious content. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of clicking unknown or suspicious links, especially in emails or messaging platforms. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also enforce strict application control policies to limit execution of unauthorized code and consider network segmentation to isolate Apple devices from critical infrastructure where feasible. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory to identify unpatched Apple devices will help maintain compliance and reduce exposure. Finally, monitoring threat intelligence feeds for emerging exploit activity related to CVE-2022-32922 will enable timely response to evolving threats.