CVE-2022-42810 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and other Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling when processing USD (Universal Scene Description) files, a file format developed by Pixar and widely used for 3D scene description and interchange. Specifically, a maliciously crafted USD file can cause the system to disclose contents of memory unintentionally. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Information Exposure), meaning that sensitive information residing in memory could be leaked to an attacker. The vulnerability does not allow modification of data or denial of service but compromises confidentiality by exposing potentially sensitive memory contents. Exploitation requires local access (Attack Vector: Local) and user interaction (UI:R), such as opening or previewing a malicious USD file. No privileges are required (PR:N), and the scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component without affecting other system components. Apple addressed this issue by improving memory handling in the affected components and released patches in macOS Ventura 13, iOS 15.7.1, iPadOS 15.7.1, tvOS 16.1, iOS 16.1, and iPadOS 16. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the moderate impact and exploitation complexity. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The vulnerability primarily affects users who open or process USD files, which are commonly used in 3D graphics, animation, and visual effects workflows. Given the local attack vector and requirement for user interaction, remote exploitation is not feasible without social engineering or other means to deliver the malicious file to the target system.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2022-42810 is the potential leakage of sensitive memory information on Apple devices when processing USD files. Organizations involved in media production, animation, visual effects, or any industry utilizing 3D content creation on Apple platforms are at higher risk. The confidentiality breach could expose sensitive intellectual property, credentials, or other in-memory data, potentially aiding further attacks. However, since the vulnerability does not allow code execution or system compromise directly, the immediate operational impact is limited. The requirement for local access and user interaction reduces the risk of widespread exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, especially in environments where Apple devices are prevalent. European organizations with mixed device environments and those that rely on Apple hardware for creative workflows should be aware of this vulnerability. Additionally, sectors such as defense, media, and technology companies in Europe that handle sensitive 3D content might be more concerned about information disclosure. The absence of known exploits in the wild lowers the urgency but does not preclude future exploitation attempts.

Apply the official Apple security updates promptly on all affected devices, including macOS Ventura 13, iOS 15.7.1, iPadOS 15.7.1, tvOS 16.1, iOS 16.1, and iPadOS 16 to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Implement strict file handling policies that restrict opening or previewing USD files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially in environments where Apple devices are used for 3D content processing. Educate users, particularly those in creative and technical roles, about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious USD files and encourage verification of file origins before processing. Use endpoint protection solutions capable of monitoring and restricting suspicious file activities on Apple devices, focusing on unusual access or processing of USD files. In environments with high security requirements, consider isolating Apple devices used for 3D content creation from sensitive networks to limit potential lateral movement if memory disclosure occurs. Regularly audit and monitor logs for unusual file access patterns or memory disclosure attempts related to USD files on Apple systems. Coordinate with IT asset management to identify all Apple devices in use and verify patch levels to ensure comprehensive coverage.