CVE-2022-32863 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/21/2022
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in Safari 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2026
This vulnerability represents a memory corruption flaw that existed in Apple's Safari web browser and macOS Monterey operating system prior to version 15.6 and 12.5 respectively. The issue stems from inadequate state management within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Safari processes web content that contains maliciously crafted elements. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues which are particularly dangerous as they can lead to complete system compromise when exploited by attackers. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers buffer overflow vulnerabilities in heap-based memory structures. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in web browsers where malicious actors can manipulate memory layout through crafted web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Safari encounters specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling during page rendering. This typically involves manipulating JavaScript objects, DOM elements, or other browser components in ways that cause memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this issue by hosting malicious websites or embedding harmful content within documents that users might visit or open. The memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the browser's security context. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to bypass standard security boundaries and execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the browser process, which can then be escalated to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser exploitation as it affects millions of users running affected versions of Safari and macOS. The issue represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users may unknowingly visit compromised websites or receive malicious emails with embedded web content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or compromised advertising networks. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for automated attacks. Organizations using macOS and Safari browsers are particularly vulnerable as the attack surface includes not only individual users but also corporate networks where employees may inadvertently expose the system to these threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to ensure users are running Safari 15.6 and macOS Monterey 12.5 or later versions. Organizations should implement proactive monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect malicious websites that may be leveraging this vulnerability. Browser hardening techniques including sandboxing, content security policies, and strict MIME type checking should be implemented as additional protective measures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for script execution and T1566 for phishing attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains while maintaining regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain robust patch management processes to protect against similar memory corruption issues in the future.