tvOS: Protection Mechanism Failure
CVE-2022-42848 is a high-severity protection mechanism failure vulnerability in tvOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 16.2, 15.7 as the first without the flaw, so updating tvOS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.29% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update tvOS to 16.2 or 15.7, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update iPadOS to 15.7.2 or 16.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Iphone OS to 15.7.2 or 16.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | tvOS | before 16.2; before 15.7 | 16.2, 15.7 |
| Apple | iPadOS | before 15.7.2; 16.0 up to, but not including, 16.2 | 15.7.2, 16.2 |
| Apple | Iphone OS | before 15.7.2; 16.0 up to, but not including, 16.2 | 15.7.2, 16.2 |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, tvOS 16.2. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Protection Mechanism Failure
The product does not use or incorrectly uses a protection mechanism that provides sufficient defense against directed attacks against the product.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213530Release Notes
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213531Release Notes
- support.apple.com/en-us/HT213535Release Notes
Third-party and government advisories
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Dec/20Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Dec/21Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Dec/26Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in tvOS
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Protection Mechanism Failure vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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