Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2022-32812 is a macOS kernel-privilege code execution flaw fixed by Apple in July 2022 security releases. A malicious app could potentially run code at the deepest operating-system privilege level, making compromise of an affected Mac serious even though local app execution and user interaction are required.
Executive priority
Treat as high priority for any remaining legacy macOS fleet. Kernel privilege impact can materially increase attacker control after a malicious app runs, so remediation should focus on rapid patch verification and retirement of unsupported systems.
Technical view
Apple describes this as a memory-handling issue mapped to CWE-787, fixed with improved memory handling. The CVSS vector is local, low complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. Fixed versions are macOS Monterey 12.5, Big Sur 11.6.8, and Security Update 2022-005 Catalina.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on Macs running affected macOS branches before Monterey 12.5, Big Sur 11.6.8, or Catalina Security Update 2022-005. The bundle does not identify more precise vulnerable build ranges.
Exploitation context
The supplied sources do not show active exploitation or KEV listing. Based on the CVSS vector and Apple summary, exploitation would involve a local app and user interaction, with possible arbitrary code execution using kernel privileges.
Researcher notes
Public detail is limited to Apple and CVE metadata. The issue class is out-of-bounds write or related memory safety, but the affected component and root cause are not named in the supplied bundle. Avoid assuming exploit availability, impacted subcomponents, or third-party mitigations.
Mitigation direction
- Update macOS Monterey systems to 12.5 or later.
- Update macOS Big Sur systems to 11.6.8 or later.
- Install Security Update 2022-005 on Catalina systems.
- Check current Apple guidance for unsupported or newer macOS branches.
- Limit installation and execution of untrusted applications.
Validation and detection
- Inventory macOS versions and build numbers across managed endpoints.
- Confirm Monterey hosts are at 12.5 or later.
- Confirm Big Sur hosts are at 11.6.8 or later.
- Confirm Catalina hosts have Security Update 2022-005 installed.
- Review Apple security update records for the applied patch level.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-787: Exact CWE lookup
Use the exact CWE identifier as the starting point before reviewing related ATT&CK behavior. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2022-32812 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 7.8 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
7.8HighVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213345CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213344CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213343CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Out-of-bounds Write
Out-of-bounds Write represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.