CVE-2022-46699 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS, specifically related to the processing of maliciously crafted web content. The underlying issue stems from improper state management within the web content processing engine, which can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow or similar memory corruption scenario (classified under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write). When a user interacts with malicious web content—such as visiting a compromised or attacker-controlled website via Safari or any web rendering component on tvOS—the vulnerability can be triggered. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability is addressed in tvOS 16.2 and Safari 16.2, alongside updates to other Apple platforms including macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting a network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning an attacker can fully control the device, access sensitive data, and disrupt services. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date, but the vulnerability's nature and severity warrant prompt attention. The root cause being memory corruption in web content processing highlights the criticality of secure state management and input validation in browser engines embedded in tvOS. Given the widespread use of Apple TV devices in consumer and enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if left unpatched.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-46699 can be substantial, particularly for those utilizing Apple TV devices in corporate environments, digital signage, or conference rooms. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to internal networks if the compromised device is connected to corporate infrastructure, potentially serving as a pivot point for lateral movement. Confidentiality breaches may expose sensitive corporate or personal data displayed or accessed via the device. Integrity and availability impacts could disrupt business operations relying on Apple TV for presentations or communications. Additionally, organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) may face compliance risks and reputational damage if the vulnerability is exploited. While the attack requires user interaction, social engineering or malicious web content delivery could be leveraged in targeted campaigns. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits post-disclosure. The cross-platform nature of the patch release indicates a systemic issue in Apple’s web content processing, underscoring the importance of timely updates across all affected devices.

Immediately update all Apple tvOS devices to version 16.2 or later to apply the security patch that addresses this vulnerability. Ensure that Safari and other web rendering components on all Apple devices (including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS) are updated to their respective patched versions to reduce cross-device risk. Implement network segmentation to isolate Apple TV devices from sensitive internal networks, limiting potential lateral movement if a device is compromised. Disable or restrict access to web browsing capabilities on Apple TV devices where not necessary, minimizing exposure to malicious web content. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted web content on Apple TV devices, emphasizing caution with links or QR codes that may lead to malicious sites. Monitor network traffic for unusual activity originating from Apple TV devices, which could indicate exploitation attempts or post-compromise behavior. Leverage Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce update policies and restrict installation of unapproved applications or content on Apple TV devices. Review and tighten firewall and content filtering rules to block access to known malicious domains and reduce the risk of encountering crafted web content. Maintain an inventory of all Apple TV devices within the organization to ensure comprehensive patch management and risk assessment.