CVE-2022-42801 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and other Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The vulnerability arises from a logic issue within the kernel that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This means that a malicious app, upon triggering the flaw, could escalate its privileges from user-level to kernel-level, gaining full control over the operating system. The kernel is the core component responsible for managing system resources and enforcing security boundaries; thus, arbitrary code execution at this level can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the entire system. The vulnerability requires user interaction (UI:R) but does not require prior authentication (PR:N), and the attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device to exploit it. The flaw was addressed by Apple through improved logic checks and fixed in macOS Ventura 13, macOS Monterey 12.6.1, and corresponding updates for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to the potential for complete system compromise. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date. The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-693, which relates to protection mechanism failures due to logic errors. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it could be exploited by malicious applications distributed through sideloading or potentially through social engineering to convince users to install or run malicious code locally. The vulnerability affects unspecified versions prior to the patched releases, indicating a broad range of impacted devices running vulnerable Apple OS versions.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-42801 can be significant, especially for those relying on Apple hardware and software ecosystems. Organizations using macOS devices for sensitive operations risk full system compromise if a malicious app exploits this vulnerability, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to confidential information, and disruption of critical services. The kernel-level code execution could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or manipulate system processes undetected. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure where Apple devices are increasingly used. Additionally, the requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risks from insider threats, targeted attacks, or social engineering campaigns. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation, especially as threat actors often reverse-engineer patches to develop exploits. The broad range of affected Apple OS versions means many devices in use across European enterprises and public sector entities could be vulnerable if not updated promptly.

Ensure all Apple devices are updated to the latest patched versions: macOS Ventura 13, macOS Monterey 12.6.1, iOS 15.7.1 or later, iPadOS 15.7.1 or later, tvOS 16.1 or later, and watchOS 9.1 or later. Prioritize patch deployment in managed enterprise environments. Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of unauthorized or untrusted applications, including restricting sideloading of apps outside the official Apple App Store where possible. Educate users on the risks of installing unverified applications and the importance of avoiding suspicious links or attachments that could lead to local exploitation. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity or privilege escalation attempts on macOS devices. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, automate patch management, and monitor compliance across all Apple devices in the organization. Limit local access to sensitive devices by enforcing physical security controls and restricting administrative privileges to trusted personnel only. Regularly audit installed applications and running processes on macOS devices to detect anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts.