CVE-2022-46702 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and iPadOS operating systems prior to version 16.2. The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling that allows a malicious app to disclose kernel memory contents. Kernel memory disclosure vulnerabilities fall under CWE-200 (Information Exposure), where sensitive information residing in privileged kernel memory can be leaked to unprivileged processes. In this case, an app with limited privileges but installed on the device can exploit this flaw to read portions of kernel memory, potentially exposing sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user data, or kernel pointers. The vulnerability requires local access to the device and some user interaction to trigger the exploit, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R). The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required prior to exploitation, but user interaction is necessary. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component without affecting other components. The confidentiality impact is high, as kernel memory disclosure can lead to information leaks that may facilitate further attacks, but integrity and availability are not impacted. Apple addressed this issue by improving memory handling in iOS and iPadOS 16.2, mitigating the risk by preventing unauthorized kernel memory disclosure. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, but the presence of this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely patching for devices running affected versions. Since the vulnerability affects iOS and iPadOS, it impacts a broad range of Apple mobile devices including iPhones and iPads, which are widely used in both consumer and enterprise environments globally.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-46702 can be significant, especially for those relying on Apple mobile devices for sensitive communications, business operations, or handling confidential data. Disclosure of kernel memory could allow attackers to extract sensitive information that may facilitate privilege escalation, bypass security controls, or enable further targeted attacks such as data exfiltration or espionage. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that use iOS/iPadOS devices for secure communications or mobile workforce operations are particularly at risk. Although exploitation requires user interaction and local access, phishing or social engineering attacks could trick users into installing malicious apps or triggering the vulnerability. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits over time. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in device security and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR if sensitive data is exposed. Therefore, European organizations must prioritize patching and device management to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability.

1. Immediate deployment of iOS and iPadOS 16.2 or later updates across all managed Apple devices to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict app installation policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to restrict installation of untrusted or unauthorized applications, reducing the risk of malicious apps exploiting the vulnerability. 3. Educate users on the risks of installing apps from unverified sources and the importance of applying system updates promptly. 4. Implement network-level protections such as restricting device access to sensitive corporate resources unless devices meet security compliance criteria, including up-to-date OS versions. 5. Monitor device logs and behavior for unusual activity that could indicate attempts to exploit kernel memory disclosure, leveraging endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools compatible with iOS/iPadOS. 6. For high-security environments, consider additional controls such as disabling unnecessary app permissions and limiting user interaction with unknown apps. 7. Coordinate with Apple support and security advisories to stay informed about any emerging exploits or mitigation techniques related to this vulnerability.