CVE-2022-32866 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2022
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.7, macOS Ventura 13, watchOS 9, macOS Monterey 12.6, tvOS 16. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level memory handling flaw that could enable arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The issue specifically affected Apple's operating systems including macOS Big Sur 11.7, macOS Ventura 13, watchOS 9, macOS Monterey 12.6, and tvOS 16. The vulnerability arises from insufficient memory management controls within the kernel, creating potential attack vectors for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to system-level resources. From a cybersecurity perspective, this flaw aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework where privilege escalation represents one of the most dangerous categories of vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory handling mechanisms that allow a malicious application to manipulate kernel memory structures through crafted inputs or memory operations. This type of flaw typically stems from buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or improper memory allocation routines that could be exploited by an attacker to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) categories, which are fundamental memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in industry standards and security frameworks. The flaw represents a classic example of how inadequate memory management can create persistent security risks that remain exploitable across multiple system versions until properly patched.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability for affected systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disable security controls within the operating system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including desktop, mobile, and embedded systems, potentially allowing attackers to establish footholds across various device types. This vulnerability would be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework in the Privilege Escalation technique category, specifically targeting the 'Kernel Modules and Extensions' sub-technique, which represents one of the most critical attack paths for achieving persistent system control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the memory handling deficiencies. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the security updates for macOS Big Sur 11.7, macOS Ventura 13, watchOS 9, macOS Monterey 12.6, and tvOS 16 to remediate the vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting controls, monitoring for unusual kernel activity, and maintaining comprehensive system integrity monitoring. Security teams should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement network-based detection measures to monitor for malicious activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can create persistent security risks that require immediate attention across all affected platforms.