CVE-2022-32889

Kernel code execution via undisclosed memory mishandling

Published Nov 1, 2022 · Updated May 5, 2025

Memory corruption in Apple Neural Engine in Apple iOS before 16 and watchOS before 9 allows context-dependent attackers to execute kernel code. Apple identifies only deficient memory handling in the Apple Neural Engine and has not disclosed the faulty operation or input path. Execution of a malicious app is required, after which attacker-controlled code runs with kernel privileges and can fully compromise the device.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.27%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Memory corruption in Apple Neural Engine in Apple iOS before 16 and watchOS before 9 allows context-dependent attackers to execute kernel code. Apple identifies only deficient memory handling in the Apple Neural Engine and has not disclosed the faulty operation or input path. Execution of a malicious app is required, after which attacker-controlled code runs with kernel privileges and can fully compromise the device.

The record

CVE
CVE-2022-32889
Published
Nov 1, 2022
Updated
May 5, 2025
Vendor
Apple
Product
iOS
Classifications
T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Nov 1, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. May 5, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=unspecified <16

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · iOSversion=unspecified <16
Apple · watchOSversion=unspecified <9

Published CVSS scores

7.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
7.8CISA-ADPCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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