CVE-2022-46694: Apple iPadOS RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2022-46694 Overview

CVE-2022-46694 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The vulnerability exists in the video file parsing functionality and can be exploited when a user opens a maliciously crafted video file. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete device compromise.

The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved input validation in the affected video parsing components. This fix was included in iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, iOS 15.7.2, iPadOS 15.7.2, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2.

Critical Impact

Parsing a maliciously crafted video file may lead to kernel code execution, allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected Apple devices.

Affected Products

• Apple iOS (versions prior to 16.2 and 15.7.2)
• Apple iPadOS (versions prior to 16.2 and 15.7.2)
• Apple tvOS (versions prior to 16.2)
• Apple watchOS (versions prior to 9.2)

Discovery Timeline

• 2022-12-15 - CVE CVE-2022-46694 published to NVD
• 2025-04-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-46694

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), a memory corruption issue that occurs when a program writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of an intended buffer. In the context of CVE-2022-46694, the flaw resides in Apple's video file parsing routines across multiple operating systems.

When the affected systems process a specially crafted video file, insufficient input validation allows an attacker to trigger a write operation outside the bounds of allocated memory buffers. Since this vulnerability affects kernel-level code, successful exploitation grants the attacker the highest level of system privileges, enabling them to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, access sensitive data, or take complete control of the affected device.

The local attack vector requires user interaction—specifically, the victim must open or process the malicious video file. This could be achieved through social engineering tactics such as sending the malicious file via messaging apps, email attachments, or hosting it on websites for download.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2022-46694 is inadequate input validation when parsing video file structures. Video file formats contain complex metadata and compressed data streams that require careful boundary checking during parsing operations. The vulnerable code failed to properly validate input parameters or buffer sizes before performing write operations, creating a condition where malformed video data could corrupt adjacent memory regions in the kernel address space.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, requiring user interaction to trigger the exploit. An attacker would need to craft a malicious video file containing specially formatted data designed to trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. The attack scenario typically involves:

1. The attacker creates a maliciously crafted video file with manipulated headers or data structures
2. The malicious file is delivered to the victim through email, messaging, file sharing, or web download
3. When the victim opens or previews the video file, the system's media parsing routines process the malformed data
4. The out-of-bounds write occurs during parsing, corrupting kernel memory
5. The attacker achieves kernel code execution, gaining full control over the device

The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges to trigger, as normal user interaction with a video file is sufficient to initiate the exploit chain.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-46694

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected system crashes or kernel panics when opening video files
• Unusual video files with abnormal file sizes or corrupted headers received from untrusted sources
• Device exhibiting unexpected behavior such as unauthorized network connections or battery drain after viewing video content
• Presence of unfamiliar processes or applications following video file interaction

Detection Strategies

• Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor for OS version compliance and ensure devices are running patched firmware
• Implement network security monitoring to detect suspicious file transfers involving video file formats (MP4, MOV, M4V, etc.)
• Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring kernel-level activity on supported Apple platforms
• Configure email and web gateways to scan attachments and downloads for potentially malicious media files

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor for kernel panic logs and crash reports that may indicate exploitation attempts
• Track device firmware versions across the organization to identify unpatched systems vulnerable to CVE-2022-46694
• Implement alerting for unusual file download patterns, particularly video files from untrusted sources
• Review MDM logs for devices exhibiting anomalous behavior patterns following media file access

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-46694

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all affected Apple devices to the latest patched versions: iOS 16.2+, iPadOS 16.2+, iOS 15.7.2+, iPadOS 15.7.2+, tvOS 16.2+, or watchOS 9.2+
• Implement device management policies requiring minimum OS version compliance before accessing corporate resources
• Educate users about the risks of opening video files from untrusted or unknown sources
• Configure email security gateways to quarantine suspicious video file attachments pending security review

Patch Information

Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations should apply the following updates immediately:

• iOS and iPadOS: Update to iOS 16.2/iPadOS 16.2 or iOS 15.7.2/iPadOS 15.7.2 - See Apple Security Update HT213530 and Apple Security Update HT213531
• tvOS: Update to tvOS 16.2 - See Apple Security Update HT213535
• watchOS: Update to watchOS 9.2 - See Apple Security Update HT213536

Workarounds

• If immediate patching is not possible, restrict users from opening video files from untrusted sources through organizational policies
• Implement network-level filtering to block or quarantine video file downloads from external sources
• Disable automatic media preview features where possible to prevent inadvertent exploitation
• Use MDM profiles to restrict installation of untrusted apps that may deliver malicious video content

# Configuration example - Check iOS/iPadOS version via MDM command
# Verify devices are running patched versions (16.2+ or 15.7.2+)
# Example MDM query to identify vulnerable devices:
# Device Information Query for OS Version
# Compliance Rule: iOS Version >= 16.2 OR (iOS Version >= 15.7.2 AND iOS Version < 16.0)