CVE-2022-32926 is a vulnerability in Apple macOS and related Apple operating systems (tvOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS) that allows an application with root privileges to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking, which is a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption issue categorized under CWE-119. An attacker who already has root-level access on the system could exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges further by executing code in the kernel context, thereby gaining complete control over the system. This could allow the attacker to bypass security mechanisms, manipulate system processes, access sensitive data, or install persistent malware. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple OS versions prior to the patched releases: tvOS 16.1, iOS 15.7.1, iPadOS 15.7.1, macOS Ventura 13, watchOS 9.1, iOS 16.1, and iPadOS 16. The issue was addressed by Apple through improved bounds checking in these updates. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7 (medium severity), reflecting that exploitation requires local access with high privileges (root) and no user interaction, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high if exploited. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, but the vulnerability remains significant due to the potential for privilege escalation to kernel level, which is critical in terms of system security.

For European organizations using Apple macOS and related Apple operating systems, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where applications or users already have root privileges. If exploited, attackers could gain kernel-level control, leading to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of critical services. This is particularly concerning for sectors with sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. The ability to execute arbitrary code at the kernel level could also facilitate stealthy persistence mechanisms and bypass of security controls, complicating incident response and forensic investigations. Although exploitation requires prior root access, the vulnerability could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks where initial access is obtained through other means. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. Organizations relying on macOS for endpoint devices, servers, or development environments should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and patch management strategies.

1. Immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for macOS Ventura 13 and other affected Apple OS versions (tvOS 16.1, iOS 15.7.1, iPadOS 15.7.1, watchOS 9.1, iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16). 2. Restrict root-level access to the minimum number of users and applications necessary; enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the attack surface. 3. Implement strict application whitelisting and code signing policies to prevent unauthorized or malicious applications from gaining root privileges. 4. Monitor and audit privileged account activities and system logs for unusual behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous kernel-level activity. 6. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of running untrusted code with elevated privileges. 7. Regularly review and update security policies to ensure timely patching and vulnerability management for Apple devices. 8. Consider network segmentation and isolation for critical systems running macOS to limit lateral movement in case of compromise.