CVE-2022-42848 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS, identified as a logic issue that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or improper logic checks within the tvOS kernel, enabling a malicious app to escalate its privileges from user space to kernel space. This escalation grants the app full control over the device's core operating system functions, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is addressed by Apple through improved logic checks and has been fixed in tvOS 16.2, as well as iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, iOS 15.7.2, and iPadOS 15.7.2. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity, with an attack vector classified as local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-693, which relates to protection mechanisms failure due to logic errors. Given the nature of tvOS as the operating system for Apple TV devices, exploitation requires an attacker to convince a user to install or run a malicious app, which then leverages the kernel privilege escalation to compromise the device at a fundamental level. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, persistent device compromise, or disruption of device functionality.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-42848 primarily concerns those utilizing Apple TV devices within corporate environments, such as for digital signage, conference room media systems, or employee entertainment. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain kernel-level control over these devices, enabling them to bypass security controls, access sensitive network segments if the device is connected internally, or use the compromised device as a foothold for lateral movement. Although Apple TVs are less commonly targeted than traditional computing devices, their integration into enterprise environments is increasing, raising the risk profile. Confidentiality could be compromised if attackers access stored credentials, network traffic, or media content. Integrity and availability impacts include potential device manipulation, installation of persistent malware, or denial of service. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but insider threats or social engineering could facilitate attacks. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, especially as threat actors may develop exploits over time. Organizations with strict compliance requirements or handling sensitive data should consider the risk of compromised media devices as part of their broader security posture.

1. Immediate deployment of Apple’s security updates: Ensure all Apple TV devices are updated to tvOS 16.2 or later to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict app installation: Implement policies to restrict installation of apps on Apple TV devices to only those vetted and approved by IT security teams, minimizing the risk of malicious apps. 3. Network segmentation: Isolate Apple TV devices on separate VLANs or network segments with limited access to critical infrastructure to contain potential compromise. 4. Monitor device behavior: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) or network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior from Apple TV devices, such as unusual network connections or process activity. 5. User awareness: Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps on Apple TV devices and the importance of applying updates promptly. 6. Access control: Limit physical and remote access to Apple TV devices to authorized personnel only, reducing the risk of local exploitation. 7. Incident response planning: Include Apple TV and similar IoT devices in incident response and vulnerability management processes to ensure timely detection and remediation of threats.