CVE-2022-46700 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability affecting Apple tvOS and other Apple operating systems, including Safari 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2, iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2. The root cause is insufficient input validation when processing web content, which can be maliciously crafted to trigger memory corruption (classified under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write). This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely by enticing a user to process specially crafted web content, typically via Safari or other web-rendering components on the affected platforms. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious website or opening a malicious link. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating high severity, with the vector string AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requires user interaction. Successful exploitation can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device by executing arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise. Apple addressed this issue by improving input validation in the affected components and released patches in tvOS 16.2 and other OS versions. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the patched releases, though exact affected versions are unspecified. Given the widespread use of Apple devices and tvOS in consumer and enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if unpatched, especially in scenarios where users access untrusted web content on Apple TV devices or other Apple platforms.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-46700 can be substantial, particularly for those utilizing Apple TV devices in corporate environments, digital signage, or conference rooms, as well as employees using Apple mobile devices and Macs. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt services. This is especially critical for sectors with high confidentiality requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The vulnerability’s ability to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that sensitive corporate information and communications could be exposed or manipulated. Additionally, Apple TV devices are increasingly used in smart office environments, so compromise could provide lateral movement opportunities within corporate networks. The requirement for user interaction (e.g., visiting a malicious website) means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to trigger exploitation. Given the lack of known exploits in the wild, the immediate risk is moderate but could escalate rapidly if exploit code becomes publicly available. Organizations relying on Apple ecosystems should prioritize patching to mitigate potential operational and reputational damage.

Immediately deploy the official patches released by Apple for tvOS 16.2 and other affected operating systems to all Apple TV devices and Apple endpoints within the organization. Implement network-level filtering to restrict access to known malicious or untrusted web domains, reducing the risk of users encountering crafted web content. Educate users about the risks of interacting with unsolicited links or websites, emphasizing caution when using Apple TV devices connected to corporate networks. Disable or restrict web browsing capabilities on Apple TV devices where feasible, especially in sensitive environments or where the device is used primarily for media consumption rather than browsing. Monitor network traffic for unusual activity originating from Apple TV devices, including unexpected outbound connections that could indicate exploitation attempts or post-compromise communication. Integrate Apple device management solutions (e.g., Apple Business Manager, Mobile Device Management platforms) to enforce timely updates and maintain visibility over device patch status. Conduct regular security assessments of Apple TV deployments and associated infrastructure to identify potential attack vectors and ensure compliance with security policies.