Actively exploited vulnerability

Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS: code execution flaw under attack

CVE-2022-32917 · Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Concerns everyone who uses it7.8 high

What is affected

Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS is found on ordinary personal computers and phones, so this is not only a problem for companies. If you use it and have not updated since the fix was released, you are exposed.

Apple kernel, which is included in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, contains an unspecified vulnerability where an application may be able to execute code with kernel privileges.

CISA's description

What an attacker can do

This is a code execution flaw. It lets an attacker run their own commands or programs on the affected system. In practice that usually means taking it over: installing malware, stealing data or using it to reach other devices on the same network.

How it is reached
Needs access to the device or a file opened on it
Access the attacker needs
A basic user account
Does the victim have to do something?
No, works without the victim doing anything

What to do

  1. Update Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS now. Open the update or "About" screen, install whatever is offered and restart the app or device, because the fix is not active until you do.
  2. Turn on automatic updates so the next fix arrives without you having to look for it.
  3. If your device is too old to receive this update, stop using the affected app for anything sensitive and plan a replacement.

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Action required by CISA for US federal agencies

Vendor advisories and fixes

How urgent is it

CISA added this vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on September 14, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of attacks in the wild. US federal agencies must fix it by October 5, 2022, a deadline that has already passed. That deadline does not bind anyone else, but it shows how seriously the agency rates it.

The EPSS model estimates a 5.6% probability that this flaw will be exploited somewhere in the next 30 days. That is higher than 93% of all scored vulnerabilities.

Its CVSS severity score is 7.8 out of 10 (high), as recorded in the US National Vulnerability Database.

Technical description

The issue was addressed with improved bounds checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.6, iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7, iOS 16, macOS Big Sur 11.7. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited..

NIST National Vulnerability Database
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