CVE-2022-32802 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/21/2022
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6, tvOS 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a logic flaw in apple's operating systems that was remediated through enhanced validation mechanisms. The issue stems from insufficient input sanitization when processing specially crafted files, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability affects multiple apple platforms including ios 15.5 and earlier versions, ipados 15.5 and earlier, tvos 15.5 and earlier, and macos monterey 12.4 and earlier. The security gap manifests when the system processes malformed or specially constructed files without adequate validation, allowing attackers to craft payloads that exploit the insufficient logic checks. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of logic flaws that can be exploited through file processing operations, aligning with common attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where file manipulation serves as an initial access vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the operating system's file processing pipeline failing to properly validate file structures or content before execution. When a malicious file is processed, the system's logic validation mechanisms are bypassed, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the running process. This represents a critical security weakness that could enable attackers to escalate privileges or gain persistent access to affected devices. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that are consistent with common software security vulnerabilities identified in industry standards such as cwe-252, which addresses "improper handling of a control flow mechanism." The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond the mere opening or processing of the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers could leverage this flaw to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or perform reconnaissance activities on compromised systems. The affected platforms represent a significant attack surface given their widespread deployment in enterprise and consumer environments. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face increased risk of targeted attacks, particularly in environments where users may encounter malicious files through email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple platforms indicates a systemic issue in apple's file processing logic that required coordinated remediation across their ecosystem. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning from an att&ck perspective as it could enable initial access and privilege escalation techniques documented in the framework.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate system updates to the patched versions including ios 15.6, ipados 15.6, tvos 15.6, and macos monterey 12.5. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected devices to eliminate the exploitation risk. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based file filtering, deploying endpoint protection solutions with file analysis capabilities, and establishing user awareness programs to prevent accidental file processing. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to file processing activities and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular patch management and continuous security monitoring as part of comprehensive cybersecurity programs. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of file processing activities for forensic analysis purposes.