CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-42856Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Apple iOS Type Confusion

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-42856 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type vulnerability in tvOS 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 versions 16.2, 13.1, 15.7 as the first without the flaw, so updating tvOS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on December 14, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update tvOS to 16.2 or 13.1 or 15.7 or 16.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update Safari to 16.2 or a later version.
  3. Update iPadOS to 15.7.2 or a later version.
  4. CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
  5. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  6. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  7. 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 15.7; before 16.116.2, 13.1, 15.7, 16.1
AppleSafaribefore 16.216.2
AppleiPadOSbefore 15.7.215.7.2
AppleIphone OSbefore 15.7.2; 16.0 up to, but not including, 16.1.215.7.2, 16.1.2
ApplemacOSbefore 13.113.1

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

A type confusion issue was addressed with improved state handling. This issue is fixed in Safari 16.2, tvOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.1.2. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1..

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

The underlying weakness: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.

More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)

Timeline

  1. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  2. CVE record published.
  3. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  4. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in tvOS

All tvOS vulnerabilities

Recent Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities

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