CVE-2022-48618: Apple iPadOS Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2022-48618 Overview

CVE-2022-48618 is a security vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems that allows an attacker with arbitrary read and write capability to bypass Pointer Authentication (PAC). This hardware-based security mechanism is designed to protect against memory corruption exploits by cryptographically signing pointers. The vulnerability was addressed with improved checks and has been confirmed to have been actively exploited in the wild against iOS versions released before iOS 15.7.1.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables bypass of Pointer Authentication, a critical security mitigation on Apple's ARM-based devices. CISA has added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in targeted attacks.

Affected Products

• Apple iOS (versions prior to 16.2)
• Apple iPadOS (versions prior to 16.2)
• Apple macOS Ventura (versions prior to 13.1)
• Apple tvOS (versions prior to 16.2)
• Apple watchOS (versions prior to 9.2)

Discovery Timeline

• January 9, 2024 - CVE-2022-48618 published to NVD
• October 23, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-48618

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as a Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition (CWE-367). The flaw exists in how Apple's kernel validates pointer authentication codes, allowing attackers who have already achieved arbitrary read and write primitives to escalate their capabilities by bypassing PAC protections.

Pointer Authentication is a security feature introduced in Apple's A12 Bionic chip and later ARM-based processors that uses cryptographic signatures to verify pointer integrity before use. This defense mechanism is designed to make exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities significantly more difficult by preventing attackers from tampering with function pointers, return addresses, and other code pointers.

The vulnerability stems from insufficient checks in the PAC validation process, creating a race condition where the authentication state can be manipulated between the time it is checked and the time it is used. This allows an attacker to forge valid-appearing pointer authentication codes, effectively neutralizing this important security layer.

Root Cause

The root cause is a Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition in the pointer authentication validation logic. The insufficient synchronization between checking the validity of authenticated pointers and their subsequent use creates a window where an attacker with existing memory access can manipulate the validation state, allowing unsigned or maliciously crafted pointers to pass authentication checks.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access and an attacker must already possess arbitrary read and write capability on the target device. This prerequisite suggests the vulnerability would typically be chained with another exploit to first achieve memory corruption. Once the attacker has this capability, they can exploit the race condition in the PAC validation to bypass pointer authentication and achieve code execution or further privilege escalation.

The local attack vector and requirement for existing read/write primitives indicates this vulnerability is most likely used as part of a sophisticated exploit chain, potentially in targeted attacks against high-value individuals. Apple's acknowledgment that the issue "may have been exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.7.1" confirms real-world exploitation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-48618

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual kernel panic logs or memory corruption indicators that may suggest exploitation attempts
• Evidence of exploit chains targeting iOS devices, particularly those running versions prior to iOS 15.7.1
• Anomalous process behavior indicating unauthorized code execution following PAC bypass
• Device behavior consistent with jailbreak or persistent compromise attempts

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for devices running vulnerable operating system versions (iOS/iPadOS < 16.2, macOS < 13.1, tvOS < 16.2, watchOS < 9.2)
• Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to track OS versions across the enterprise fleet
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting kernel-level anomalies on Apple platforms
• Review device logs for signs of memory corruption exploitation or unauthorized kernel access

Monitoring Recommendations

• Maintain comprehensive inventory of all Apple devices and their current OS versions
• Configure automated alerts for devices that have not been updated to patched versions
• Monitor CISA KEV catalog updates for related vulnerabilities that may be part of the same exploit chain
• Implement network monitoring to detect command-and-control traffic from potentially compromised devices

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-48618

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all Apple devices to patched versions: iOS 16.2+, iPadOS 16.2+, macOS Ventura 13.1+, tvOS 16.2+, watchOS 9.2+
• Prioritize updates for devices running iOS versions prior to 15.7.1 due to confirmed exploitation
• Audit device inventory to identify any systems still running vulnerable versions
• Implement MDM policies to enforce minimum OS version requirements

Patch Information

Apple has addressed this vulnerability in the following updates:

• macOS Ventura 13.1 - See Apple Security Update HT213532
• iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 - See Apple Security Update HT213530
• tvOS 16.2 - See Apple Security Update HT213535
• watchOS 9.2 - See Apple Security Update HT213536

This CVE is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, requiring federal agencies to apply mitigations according to established timelines.

Workarounds

• No official workarounds are available; updating to patched versions is the only remediation
• For devices that cannot be immediately updated, consider isolating them from sensitive networks
• Limit installation of untrusted applications that could provide initial access for exploit chains
• Enable automatic updates on all Apple devices to ensure timely patch deployment