External risk intelligence

Apple iOS and iPadOS Kernel Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2022-42827

This vulnerability affects the kernel of mobile operating systems (iOS and iPadOS). It requires an application already running on the device to trigger, meaning it is not a network-reachable service or internet-facing endpoint. It is inherently local to the device.

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Ipados

before 15.7.116.0 to before 16.1

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability impacts specific versions of Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems. The core issue involves an out-of-bounds write that can be triggered by an application. If exploited, this could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially leading to significant business risk.

Vulnerable operating systems
Improper bounds checking
Code execution with kernel privileges

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability existed in the operating system kernel, allowing an application to potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This could lead to a compromise of system integrity and data confidentiality. The issue was addressed through improved bounds checking in subsequent software updates.

Vulnerable application is installed.
Attacker triggers the vulnerability.
Arbitrary code executes with kernel privileges.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to its potential for an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple has indicated that this issue may have been actively exploited, suggesting that attackers are aware of and potentially utilizing this vulnerability. The necessary steps to mitigate this threat are available through provided software updates.

Attacker skill level is high.
Requires local access or specific conditions.
Business risk is high; urgent action needed.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The reported vulnerability in Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems has been actively exploited, posing a risk of arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. An out-of-bounds write issue has been addressed by Apple through improved bounds checking in subsequent software updates. Organizations using affected systems should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate potential business risks.

Identify affected Apple devices.
Isolate risk by removing affected devices.
Apply vendor updates and verify.
Monitor for related security issues.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What are iOS and iPadOS?

iOS and iPadOS are the mobile operating systems developed by Apple for their iPhone and iPad devices, respectively. They provide the core functionality and user interface for these devices, allowing users to run applications and access various services.

What kind of weakness is CVE-2022-42827?

CVE-2022-42827 is an "out-of-bounds write" vulnerability. This means a program attempted to write data past the end of an allocated buffer, which can overwrite adjacent memory and potentially lead to program crashes or, in this case, code execution.

How is CVE-2022-42827 triggered, and what is the scope of impact?

This vulnerability is triggered when an application attempts to write data beyond the boundaries of an allocated buffer. The impact allows for the potential execution of arbitrary code with kernel privileges on affected devices.

What is the relevance of Halo Surface Signal for CVE-2022-42827?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that CVE-2022-42827 is 'Very unlikely' to be exploitable remotely, as it affects the kernel of mobile operating systems and requires an application already running on the device to trigger.

What practical steps should be taken for CVE-2022-42827?

Organizations should identify affected Apple devices running vulnerable versions of iOS and iPadOS. It is recommended to isolate risk by removing affected devices if possible, and to apply vendor updates to mitigate potential business risks.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.