Description
A critical vulnerability has been identified in the memory handling components of various Apple products, such as iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This flaw, classified as CVE-2022-22587, has the potential to permit a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple has acknowledged reports of this vulnerability potentially being exploited in the wild.
Affected Product(s)
Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 15.3, macOS Big Sur versions prior to 11.6.3, macOS Monterey versions prior to 12.2
Technical Details
The vulnerability labeled as CVE-2022-22587 highlights a significant flaw within the IOMobileFrameBuffer component. IOMobileFrameBuffer is an essential part of the operating system responsible for handling image data and rendering those images onto devices screen buffers. Due to inadequate input validation, this component was prone to memory corruption, which could be maliciously leveraged to execute arbitrary code at the kernel privilege level.
The flaw sits within a broader issue of buffer management, detailed under common weaknesses (CWE) as CWEs 119 and 787, which refer to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer and out-of-bounds write, respectively. These weaknesses speak to improper boundary handling, often leading to overflow conditions that compromise system stability and security.
In terms of the threat landscape, the vulnerability has proven attractive due to the elevated privileges that can be gained upon exploitation. The execution of arbitrary code at the kernel level means gaining control over core aspects of the operating system, thus bypassing conventional security measures such as user privilege restrictions and integrity checks. CVE-2022-22587 was notably patched in iOS 15.3, iPadOS 15.3, macOS Big Sur 11.6.3, and macOS Monterey 12.2, following rigorous validation processes to ensure input handling was appropriately rectified to prevent similar memory errors.
The implications of this vulnerability are considerable, with reports suggesting active exploitation prior to Apple’s security updates. There is, however, little publicly disclosed information about specific threat actors exploiting this vulnerability. Apple’s response strategy included disclosing the vulnerability through their advisory sources, emphasizing the critical nature and urging users to update their systems promptly.
Some potentially compromised versions span multiple product lines and a significant timeframe, covering all iOS devices including iPhone 6s and later, iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and onwards, and iPod touch (7th generation). The rapid mobilization for patches suggests active threat monitoring by Apple and its partners. Security updates have been distributed across major operating system platforms to mitigate risks effectively.
While Apple stated awareness of reports regarding active exploitation, the depth and scale remain unspecified to the public, continuing the trend of safety through obscurity regarding specific threat vectors and actors. The vulnerability also draws interest because of similar buffer-related vulnerabilities in the past and the firm’s ongoing initiatives to improve security hardening through better boundary checking and state management. This includes earlier discoveries of zero-day vulnerabilities, showcasing the priority Apple places on addressing quickly and efficiently any similar security gaps.
Weakness
This vulnerability is mainly associated with weaknesses in improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer (CWE-119) and out-of-bounds write (CWE-787). These involve errors in memory management that allow operations to occur beyond the allocated buffer scope, leading to potential code execution and system control bypass.
Impact Assessment
If exploited, CVE-2022-22587 could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the affected system. This could lead to full system compromise, where sensitive data may be accessed, modified, or deleted, and further malicious activities could be conducted without user awareness. The high level of access afforded by kernel privileges could expose the system to multiple security risks.
Active Exploitation
There have been confirmed reports indicating active exploitation of this vulnerability. While specific threat groups or actors have not been identified in public disclosures, the activity is significant enough to prompt immediate security patching by Apple.
Ransomware Association
While the vulnerability does not appear directly associated with ransomware operations, the potential for gaining high-level access could provide ransomware actors with an entry point to deploy their payloads, encrypting user data or tampering system integrity before demanding ransoms.
Mitigation and Resolution
Apple has released official updates that address this vulnerability, urging user systems to update to iOS 15.3, iPadOS 15.3, macOS Big Sur 11.6.3, and macOS Monterey 12.2 immediately. Improved input validation measures ensure that input data conform to expected formats, and buffer bounds checking encompasses checks resisting overflow attempts.
Recommendations
- We strongly recommend that all customers apply the latest patches as soon as possible.
- Users should navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS devices to install updates.
- For macOS users, ensure you follow Apple’s software update process via the System Preferences.
- Employ network-level controls and monitoring tools to detect any unusual activities.
- Regularly monitor official Apple channels for any further advisories related to this vulnerability.
ย References
- Apple Support
- Apple Support
- Apple Support
- CVE MITRE Details
- National Vulnerability Database
- Zero Day Database
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