CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-42855NVD status: Modified

tvOS: Improper Privilege Management

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-42855 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in tvOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 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, 13.1, 12.6 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 0.54% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update tvOS to 16.2 or 13.1 or 12.6 or 15.7, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update iPadOS to 15.7.2 or 16.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  3. Update Iphone OS to 15.7.2 or 16.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. 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
AppletvOSbefore 16.2; before 13.1; before 12.6; before 15.716.2, 13.1, 12.6, 15.7
AppleiPadOSbefore 15.7.2; 16.0 up to, but not including, 16.215.7.2, 16.2
AppleIphone OSbefore 15.7.2; 16.0 up to, but not including, 16.215.7.2, 16.2
ApplemacOSbefore 12.6.2; 13.012.6.2

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
NoneAvailability is not affected.

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

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.1HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.1HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in tvOS 16.2, macOS Monterey 12.6.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2. An app may be able to use arbitrary entitlements.

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

The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management

The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
  • Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.

More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)

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 tvOS

All tvOS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities

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