CVE-2022-32813 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.5, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, Security Update 2022-005 Catalina, iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6, tvOS 15.6, watchOS 8.7. An app with root privileges may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel memory handling flaw that could enable privilege escalation from root to kernel level execution. The issue manifests as improper memory management within the operating system kernel, creating a potential attack vector where malicious applications with root privileges could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the highest possible system privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including macOS Monterey 12.5, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, Security Update 2022-005 Catalina, iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, tvOS 15.6, and watchOS 8.7. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 which describes buffer overflow conditions in memory management, and represents a classic example of how improper memory handling can create privilege escalation opportunities. The flaw exists in the kernel's memory allocation and deallocation mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that bypass normal security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Apple's operating systems. When an application already possesses root privileges, the ability to escalate to kernel privileges creates a complete system compromise scenario. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access encrypted data, or disable security features entirely. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only an application with root access, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing privilege escalation rather than requiring initial compromise through other attack vectors. This characteristic places it within the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Steal or Modify Tools and Techniques for Execution category.
The fix implemented by Apple addresses the underlying memory handling mechanisms that were susceptible to exploitation. The security updates include enhanced memory management protocols that prevent the specific memory manipulation patterns that could lead to kernel privilege escalation. These patches typically involve improved bounds checking, memory allocation validation, and enhanced kernel memory protection mechanisms. The remediation approach aligns with defensive programming practices and follows industry standards for kernel security hardening. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected systems, as the vulnerability represents a critical threat level that could enable complete system takeover. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing kernel-level security issues through proactive patch management, though it also highlights the ongoing challenge of securing complex operating system kernels against sophisticated exploitation techniques that can leverage seemingly minor memory handling flaws.