CVE-2022-42803 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and other Apple operating systems including tvOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. The root cause is a race condition, a type of concurrency flaw (CWE-362), where improper synchronization allows an attacker to exploit timing issues in the kernel's locking mechanisms. This flaw enables a malicious app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively granting full control over the affected device at the highest privilege level. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved locking mechanisms in the kernel, with patches released in macOS Ventura 13, macOS Monterey 12.6.1, iOS 15.7.1, iOS 16.1, iPadOS 15.7.1, iPadOS 16, tvOS 16.1, and watchOS 9.1. Exploitation requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), and user interaction (UI:R). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), as kernel-level code execution can bypass all security controls, install persistent malware, or cause system crashes. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the potential impact is significant given the kernel-level access it grants. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.0 (high), reflecting the difficulty of exploitation but severe consequences if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk particularly to those relying on Apple hardware and software ecosystems, including macOS-based workstations and mobile devices running iOS or iPadOS. Kernel-level compromise can lead to complete system takeover, data theft, unauthorized surveillance, or disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and technology are especially vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and operations. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or social engineering attacks could facilitate exploitation. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or remote workforces using Apple devices may face increased exposure. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, escalating privileges and compromising enterprise infrastructure.

1. Immediate deployment of Apple’s security updates for all affected operating systems is essential to remediate this vulnerability. Ensure macOS Ventura 13, macOS Monterey 12.6.1, iOS 15.7.1/16.1, iPadOS 15.7.1/16, tvOS 16.1, and watchOS 9.1 patches are applied promptly. 2. Enforce strict application installation policies, restricting apps to those from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and using Apple’s notarization process to reduce risk of malicious apps. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity or privilege escalation attempts on Apple devices. 4. Educate users on the risks of social engineering and the importance of not interacting with untrusted applications or links, as user interaction is required for exploitation. 5. Limit local access to sensitive devices, enforce strong physical security controls, and monitor for unauthorized access attempts. 6. For organizations with BYOD policies, enforce mobile device management (MDM) solutions that can ensure devices are patched and compliant with security policies before granting network access. 7. Regularly audit and monitor logs for anomalies indicating potential exploitation attempts or unusual kernel activity.