CVE-2022-42849 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS, as well as iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS versions prior to 16.2, 16.2, and 9.2 respectively. The vulnerability arises from an access control issue involving privileged API calls, where insufficient restrictions allowed a user to potentially elevate their privileges. Specifically, the flaw relates to improper enforcement of access controls on sensitive APIs, enabling a local attacker with limited privileges to gain higher-level access, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management), indicating that the system failed to enforce correct privilege boundaries. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity, with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through additional restrictions on privileged API calls in the tvOS 16.2 update and corresponding updates for other Apple operating systems. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, meaning an attacker must have some level of access to the device and trick a user into performing an action to exploit the flaw. However, successful exploitation could allow an attacker to escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system settings, or disruption of device functionality.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-42849 primarily concerns environments where Apple tvOS devices are deployed, such as corporate meeting rooms, digital signage, or media distribution systems. Privilege escalation on these devices could allow attackers to bypass security controls, access confidential corporate content, or disrupt services. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, successful exploitation could lead to data leakage, unauthorized control over device functions, or denial of service. Although the attack vector is local and requires user interaction, the risk is significant in scenarios where devices are shared, physically accessible, or used by multiple users. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems for communication or media may face operational disruptions or reputational damage if such devices are compromised. Additionally, the integration of Apple devices with enterprise networks could provide a foothold for lateral movement if attackers escalate privileges on tvOS devices. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk, but the high severity and potential impact warrant prompt mitigation.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Apple tvOS devices to version 16.2 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict physical security controls to limit unauthorized access to Apple TV devices, especially in shared or public spaces. Employ device management solutions such as Apple Business Manager or Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms to enforce security policies, restrict installation of untrusted applications, and monitor device status. Disable or limit user interaction features that could be exploited to trigger the vulnerability, such as restricting access to certain apps or interfaces. Conduct user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could facilitate exploitation. Network segmentation should be applied to isolate Apple TV devices from critical infrastructure to limit potential lateral movement. Regularly audit and review device configurations and logs for signs of suspicious activity. Finally, maintain an inventory of all Apple devices to ensure timely updates and vulnerability management.