CVE-2022-42867 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS, as well as other Apple operating systems including Safari 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2. The root cause is a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory management flaw that occurs when processing maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected device by exploiting improper handling of memory after an object has been freed. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring privileges or authentication, but it does require user interaction, such as visiting a malicious website or viewing crafted web content. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, enabling attackers to run arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application or system process. Apple addressed this issue in tvOS 16.2 and related OS updates by improving memory management to prevent the use-after-free condition. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a significant threat, especially given the widespread use of Apple devices and the integration of tvOS in consumer and enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the web content processing engine, which is a common attack vector due to the frequent interaction with web-based content and services on these platforms.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-42867 could be substantial, particularly for those utilizing Apple tvOS devices in corporate environments, digital signage, or media delivery systems. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of services, or use of compromised devices as footholds within internal networks. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, attackers could exfiltrate data, install persistent malware, or disrupt business operations. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trigger exploitation. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems for communication, collaboration, or customer engagement may face increased risk. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value European sectors such as finance, government, and media, where Apple devices are commonly used. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains, especially as threat actors often reverse-engineer patches to develop exploits. Therefore, European organizations should prioritize patching and monitoring to mitigate potential impacts.

1. Immediate deployment of Apple’s security updates: Organizations should ensure all Apple tvOS devices and related Apple OS versions (Safari 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2) are updated to the patched versions to eliminate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict web content exposure: Limit access to untrusted or unknown web content on tvOS devices by implementing network-level filtering or content security policies. 3. User awareness training: Educate users about the risks of interacting with suspicious web content, emphasizing caution with links and media on Apple devices. 4. Network segmentation: Isolate Apple tvOS devices from critical network segments to reduce lateral movement opportunities if a device is compromised. 5. Monitor device behavior: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring Apple devices for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Disable unnecessary web content features: Where possible, configure tvOS devices to restrict or disable web content rendering features that are not essential to reduce the attack surface. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare for potential exploitation by establishing procedures to quickly identify and remediate compromised Apple devices. These steps go beyond generic patching by focusing on reducing exposure, enhancing detection, and limiting impact in case of exploitation.