CVE-2022-32894
Apple iOS and macOS Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2022-32894 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and macOS that could allow a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The flaw resides in the kernel's memory handling, where improper bounds checking enables an application to write data beyond the intended memory buffer, leading to full kernel-level compromise. CISA has added CVE-2022-32894 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. With an EPSS score of 0.31%, the vulnerability is primarily associated with targeted attacks rather than broad automated exploitation, but the kernel-level impact makes it an urgent patching priority for all Apple device users.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| apple | ipados | < 15.6.1 |
| apple | iphone os | < 15.6.1 |
| apple | macos | >= 11.0, < 11.7; >= 12.0, < 12.5.1 |
| apple | watchos | < 9.0 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Aug/16(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/45(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Oct/49(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213412(Release Notes, Vendor Advisory)
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213413(Release Notes, Vendor Advisory)
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213443(Third Party Advisory)
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT213486(Third Party Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-32894(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write
CVE-2022-32894 exploits an out-of-bounds write condition in the Apple iOS and macOS kernel, where insufficient boundary validation allows a local application to write data past the end of an allocated memory buffer. This memory corruption can overwrite critical kernel data structures, enabling the attacker to escalate privileges from application-level to kernel-level execution, effectively gaining complete control over the device.
Learn more: CWE-787 — Out-of-bounds Write
Impact Analysis
CVE-2022-32894 poses a severe threat to Apple iOS and macOS devices because successful exploitation grants kernel-level code execution, the highest privilege level on the system. The vulnerability can be triggered by a locally installed application, meaning the attacker needs some initial foothold on the device, such as a malicious app or a previously exploited browser vulnerability. Once exploited, the attacker gains full control over the device, including access to all stored data, the ability to modify system integrity, and complete disruption of device availability. The kernel-level access bypasses all application sandboxing and security boundaries, making this a critical vulnerability despite the local attack vector. The inclusion in the CISA KEV catalog confirms real-world exploitation, and organizations managing Apple device fleets should treat this as a high-priority remediation item.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2022-32894 in the wild by adding it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a remediation deadline of September 8, 2022. While no publicly tagged exploit code or proof-of-concept is listed in the available references, the confirmed in-the-wild exploitation indicates that sophisticated threat actors possess working exploits. With an EPSS score of approximately 0.31% (54th percentile), the vulnerability is not subject to widespread automated exploitation, but rather targeted attacks against specific high-value Apple device users.
Remediation
- Apply Apple security updates immediately: Install the patches referenced in Apple's security advisories HT213412 and HT213413, which address the out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the kernel.
- Update all affected Apple devices: Ensure all managed iOS and macOS devices are running the latest patched versions released after August 2022 that contain the fix for CVE-2022-32894.
- Enable automatic security updates: Configure all Apple devices to automatically install security updates to minimize the exposure window for future kernel-level vulnerabilities.
- Restrict application installation: Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies that restrict the installation of untrusted applications, as exploitation requires a locally running malicious application.
- Monitor for indicators of compromise: Review device logs for signs of kernel-level exploitation, including unexpected privilege escalation events, unusual system crashes, or anomalous process behavior on devices that were running unpatched firmware.
Technical Details
CVE-2022-32894 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the Apple iOS and macOS kernel's memory management subsystem. The flaw occurs when the kernel fails to properly validate the boundaries of a memory buffer during write operations, allowing an attacker-controlled application to write data beyond the allocated buffer into adjacent kernel memory. By carefully crafting the out-of-bounds write, an attacker can corrupt kernel data structures such as function pointers, process credentials, or page table entries, ultimately achieving arbitrary code execution at the kernel privilege level. The local attack vector means the attacker must first gain code execution in user space, but once the kernel vulnerability is triggered, all operating system security boundaries are bypassed. This type of kernel out-of-bounds write is particularly valuable in exploit chains where a browser or application-level vulnerability provides initial access, and CVE-2022-32894 serves as the privilege escalation component to achieve full device compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2022-32894 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has added CVE-2022-32894 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. The vulnerability was added on August 18, 2022, with a remediation deadline of September 8, 2022. Organizations should treat this as a confirmed threat requiring immediate patching.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-32894?
CVE-2022-32894 affects Apple iOS and macOS. Users of iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers running versions prior to the security updates referenced in Apple advisories HT213412 and HT213413 are vulnerable. All Apple devices should be updated to the latest available firmware.
How do I fix CVE-2022-32894?
Apply the security updates provided by Apple as referenced in advisories HT213412 and HT213413. Ensure all managed Apple devices are updated to the patched versions. Additionally, implement MDM policies to restrict untrusted application installation as a defense-in-depth measure.
How severe is CVE-2022-32894?
CVE-2022-32894 is a high-severity vulnerability that enables kernel-level code execution on Apple devices. While exploitation requires a local application as the attack vector, the kernel privilege escalation grants complete control over the device. The EPSS score of 0.31% (54th percentile) suggests targeted rather than mass exploitation, but the confirmed in-the-wild activity makes it a critical patching priority.
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