CVE-2022-32832 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5, Security Update 2022-005 Catalina. An app with root privileges may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory handling flaw that could enable privilege escalation from root-level applications to kernel-level execution. The issue stems from inadequate memory management controls within Apple's operating system kernels, creating a pathway for malicious applications with root privileges to bypass security boundaries and execute arbitrary code with the highest possible system privileges. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the kernel's security model and could allow attackers to gain complete system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involves improper memory allocation or deallocation patterns that create memory corruption conditions. When applications with root privileges interact with kernel memory spaces, the flawed memory handling mechanisms may allow these applications to manipulate kernel data structures or overwrite critical kernel functions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which describes insufficient synchronization in memory management operations, and potentially CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes in memory management contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables a sophisticated attack vector where an attacker with root-level application access can escalate privileges to kernel level. This privilege escalation capability allows for complete system compromise, enabling persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and modification of system-critical components. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS variants, watchOS, and tvOS, making it a widespread concern across the Apple ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access to devices without requiring user interaction or physical access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, including iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6, and macOS Monterey 12.5. Organizations should also implement strict application control policies to limit root privileges and monitor for suspicious kernel-level activities. The security update addresses the underlying memory handling mechanisms through improved memory allocation algorithms and enhanced kernel memory protection controls. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any applications that might be exploiting this vulnerability before the patch was applied, as the ATT&CK framework categorizes such techniques under privilege escalation and kernel-mode rootkits.