CVE-2022-42827: Apple iPadOS RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2022-42827 Overview

CVE-2022-42827 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and iPadOS that enables an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This memory corruption flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking in the operating system's kernel, allowing a malicious application to write data outside the intended memory boundaries. Apple has confirmed active exploitation of this vulnerability in the wild, making immediate patching critical for all affected devices.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows complete device compromise through kernel-level code execution. Attackers can gain full control over affected iPhones and iPads, potentially accessing sensitive data, installing persistent malware, or using the device as a foothold for further attacks. CISA has added this vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Affected Products

• Apple iOS versions prior to 16.1
• Apple iPadOS versions prior to 16
• Apple iOS versions prior to 15.7.1 and iPadOS versions prior to 15.7.1

Discovery Timeline

• 2022-11-01 - CVE-2022-42827 published to NVD
• 2025-10-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-42827

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2022-42827 is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write), a critical memory corruption vulnerability type. The flaw exists within Apple's iOS and iPadOS kernel, where improper bounds checking allows an application to write data beyond allocated memory buffers. When successfully exploited, an attacker can corrupt adjacent memory regions, overwrite critical kernel data structures, and ultimately achieve arbitrary code execution with the highest privilege level available on the device.

The local attack vector requires user interaction, typically through a malicious application installed on the target device. Once the application triggers the vulnerability, it can escape the normal application sandbox and execute code directly in kernel space. This privilege escalation is particularly dangerous on mobile devices where the kernel controls access to all sensitive resources including encryption keys, biometric data, and secure enclave communications.

Root Cause

The vulnerability originates from insufficient bounds checking in memory write operations within the iOS/iPadOS kernel. When processing certain data, the kernel fails to validate that write operations remain within the bounds of the allocated memory buffer. This oversight allows a crafted application to write controlled data past the end of a buffer, corrupting adjacent memory regions. Apple addressed this issue by implementing improved bounds checking to ensure all write operations stay within their designated memory boundaries.

Attack Vector

Exploitation of CVE-2022-42827 requires local access, meaning the attacker must either have physical access to the device or trick the user into installing a malicious application. The attack sequence typically involves:

1. The attacker delivers a malicious application to the target device, potentially through social engineering, enterprise distribution, or by exploiting other vulnerabilities in the App Store review process
2. When executed, the malicious application triggers the out-of-bounds write condition by providing specially crafted input that causes the kernel to write data beyond buffer boundaries
3. The corrupted memory is leveraged to hijack kernel execution flow, allowing the attacker's code to run with kernel privileges
4. With kernel-level access, the attacker can disable security controls, access protected data, install rootkits, or perform other malicious actions invisible to the user

The exploitation mechanism targets fundamental kernel memory operations. For detailed technical information about the vulnerability and its remediation, refer to the Apple Support Article HT213489 and Apple Support Article HT213490.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-42827

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected device reboots or crashes that may indicate kernel exploitation attempts
• Unusual battery drain or device performance degradation caused by malicious processes
• Applications exhibiting unexpected behavior or requesting unusual permissions
• Device jailbreak indicators appearing on previously secure devices
• Unexplained data exfiltration or network connections to unknown servers

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor device OS versions and ensure all devices run patched versions (iOS 16.1+, iOS 15.7.1+, iPadOS 16+, or iPadOS 15.7.1+)
• Implement endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying kernel-level anomalies and privilege escalation attempts
• Monitor enterprise networks for unusual traffic patterns from mobile devices that may indicate compromised endpoints
• Utilize SentinelOne Singularity Mobile to detect exploitation attempts and malicious application behaviors

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline device behavior profiles to identify anomalous kernel activity or unexpected system calls
• Enable comprehensive logging on MDM platforms to track application installations and system changes
• Configure alerts for devices running vulnerable iOS/iPadOS versions to prioritize remediation
• Implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised mobile devices

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-42827

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all Apple devices to iOS 16.1 or later, or iOS 15.7.1 or later for devices that cannot run iOS 16
• Update all iPad devices to iPadOS 16 or later, or iPadOS 15.7.1 or later
• Review installed applications and remove any untrusted or unnecessary apps
• Enable automatic updates on all devices to ensure future security patches are applied promptly
• Audit enterprise mobile device fleets for vulnerable versions and prioritize patching

Patch Information

Apple has released security patches addressing CVE-2022-42827 in iOS 16.1, iOS 15.7.1, iPadOS 16, and iPadOS 15.7.1. Organizations should immediately update all devices to these versions or later. Detailed patch information is available in Apple Support Article HT213489 for iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16, and Apple Support Article HT213490 for iOS 15.7.1 and iPadOS 15.7.1. Given the confirmed active exploitation and inclusion in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, organizations subject to CISA directives must remediate this vulnerability according to specified deadlines.

Workarounds

• Restrict application installation sources to only trusted enterprise or App Store applications
• Implement MDM policies to prevent installation of applications from unknown developers
• Enable Lockdown Mode on devices handling sensitive data for additional kernel-level protections
• Segment network access for mobile devices to limit potential impact of exploitation

# Verify iOS/iPadOS version on managed devices using MDM query
# Ensure devices report version >= 16.1 (iOS) or >= 16 (iPadOS)
# Or for legacy devices: >= 15.7.1

# Example MDM compliance policy pseudocode
# Check minimum OS version
if device_os_version < "15.7.1":
    flag_non_compliant
    notify_user_update_required
    restrict_corporate_resource_access
fi