CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-32912NVD status: Modified

iOS: Out-of-bounds Read

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-32912 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in iOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 16 as the first without the flaw, so updating iOS to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.57% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 76% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update iOS to 16 or a later version.
  2. Update Safari to 16 or a later version.
  3. Update iOS and iPadOS to 15.7 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  6. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
AppleiOSbefore 1616
AppleSafaribefore 1616
AppleiOS and iPadOSbefore 15.715.7
AppleiPadOSbefore 15.715.7
AppleIphone OSbefore 15.715.7

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

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

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.18.8HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in Safari 16, iOS 16, iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read

The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.

More Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities (CWE-125)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in iOS

All iOS vulnerabilities

Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities

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