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CVE Record

CVE-2022-32889: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.

The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 16, watchOS 9. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2022-32889 is an Apple iOS and watchOS kernel-level flaw. A malicious app could gain very high control over the device. Apple says the issue was fixed with improved memory handling in iOS 16 and watchOS 9.

Executive priority

Treat this as a high-priority endpoint patching issue, especially for executives, developers, and mobile users with sensitive access. It is not presented as actively exploited, but kernel privilege impact justifies timely remediation.

Technical view

The vulnerability is described as a memory-handling issue that may allow an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The supplied CVSS vector is local, low complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.

Likely exposure

Organizations are most likely exposed through Apple iPhones and Apple Watches running affected pre-fix iOS or watchOS versions. The source bundle does not specify exact vulnerable version ranges beyond fixes in iOS 16 and watchOS 9.

Exploitation context

The supplied sources do not show active exploitation, and the CVE is not listed as KEV in the bundle. Exploitation would require a malicious or compromised app context rather than direct remote network access.

Researcher notes

Public detail is sparse: no CWE is listed, affected version ranges are unspecified, and Apple describes the fix generically as improved memory handling. Avoid assuming a specific bug class or exploit technique from the supplied evidence.

Mitigation direction

  • Update eligible iPhones to iOS 16 or later.
  • Update eligible Apple Watches to watchOS 9 or later.
  • Use MDM inventory to identify devices below fixed versions.
  • For unsupported devices, check Apple guidance and plan replacement or isolation.
  • Limit installation of untrusted apps on managed Apple devices.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm iOS versions across managed iPhone inventory.
  • Confirm watchOS versions across managed Apple Watch inventory.
  • Flag devices below iOS 16 or watchOS 9 for remediation.
  • Review Apple advisories for any product-scope clarifications.
  • Document unsupported devices and compensating controls.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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.

description · low confidence lookup

Execution 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 lookup
cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2022-32889 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

Open ATT&CK lookup
Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
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

Official CVE source material

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.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We 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.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2022-32889Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
AppleiOSunspecifiedListed
ApplewatchOSunspecifiedListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.