Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Apple products, the most severe of which could allow for local code execution. Successful exploitation of the most severe vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the kernel. Malicious actors with administrative access may be able to install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.Cartoon of ugly work coming out of Apple logo

Threat Intelligence

Apple indicated that this issue may have been actively exploited.

Systems Affected

  • iOS 15.4.1 and older
  • iPadOS 15.4.1 and older
  • macOS Monterey 12.3.1 and older

Risk

Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: High

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: High

Home Users: Low

Technical Summary

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Apple products, the most severe of which could allow for local code execution. Successful exploitation of the most severe vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the kernel. Details of these vulnerabilities are as follows:

  • An out-of-bound write vulnerability in AppleAVD which could allow for execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges (CVE-2022-22675)
  • An out-of-bound read vulnerability in Intel Graphics Drivers which could allow for disclosure of kernel memory (CVE-2022-22674)

Malicious actors with administrative access may be able to install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

Recommendations

We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Apply updates provided by Apple to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing.
  • Remind users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
  • Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from untrusted sources.
  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

Reporting

The New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) encourages recipients who discover signs of malicious cyber activity to contact the NJCCIC via the cyber incident report form at www.cyber.nj.gov/report.