CVE-2022-32825

Vulnerability

CVE-2022-32825 is a memory handling vulnerability in the Apple File System (APFS) component of multiple Apple operating systems. The issue exists in versions prior to iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6, and macOS Monterey 12.5. An app running on the device can trigger the flaw to read kernel memory. The root cause is improper memory handling, which allows an attacker to bypass memory protections and access sensitive kernel data.

Exploitation

An attacker needs to have an app installed on the target device. No additional privileges beyond normal app sandbox restrictions are required. The app can exploit the memory handling flaw by sending crafted requests to the APFS kernel extension. The exact sequence of steps is not publicly disclosed, but the vulnerability is reachable from user space without special entitlements.

Impact

Successful exploitation allows the app to disclose kernel memory, potentially exposing sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, process credentials, or other kernel data structures. This could lead to further compromise of the system. The impact is limited to information disclosure; however, combined with other vulnerabilities, it could enable privilege escalation.

Mitigation

Apple addressed the issue in the following updates released on July 20, 2022: iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6 [2], macOS Big Sur 11.6.8 [3], watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6 [4], and macOS Monterey 12.5 [1]. Users should update their devices to the latest available versions. No workarounds are available for unpatched systems.