CVE-2022-42855 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in tvOS 16.2, macOS Monterey 12.6.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2. An app may be able to use arbitrary entitlements.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-42855 represents a logic flaw in Apple's operating systems that affects state management within the entitlement system. This issue specifically impacts tvOS, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS platforms across multiple versions, with patches released in tvOS 16.2, macOS Monterey 12.6.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, as well as iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2. The flaw allows applications to potentially exploit arbitrary entitlements, which fundamentally undermines the security model that restricts application capabilities based on granted permissions. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability falls under the category of improper privilege management and can be mapped to CWE-250 Improper Privilege Management, where applications gain access to resources or capabilities beyond their intended scope. The issue represents a significant concern for system integrity as it enables malicious applications to bypass normal security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient state validation mechanisms that control how entitlements are managed and enforced within the operating system. When applications request or utilize entitlements, the system should maintain strict state controls to ensure that only properly authorized capabilities are granted. However, the logic flaw allows applications to manipulate or exploit the state management system to obtain entitlements that they should not normally possess. This can lead to scenarios where applications gain access to sensitive system functions, data, or resources that are typically restricted to system-level processes or applications with explicit authorization. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as this vulnerability can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that leverage the arbitrary entitlement access for further exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-42855 is substantial across enterprise and consumer environments where Apple devices are deployed. In enterprise settings, this vulnerability could allow malicious applications to access restricted system functionalities that might compromise network security, data confidentiality, or system integrity. The potential for abuse is particularly concerning given that entitlements often control access to critical system components such as network interfaces, file system access, hardware peripherals, or communication protocols. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics, where adversaries seek to gain elevated system privileges to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. The vulnerability also relates to the concept of code execution and access to system resources, which are fundamental components of many attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management across all affected platforms. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the security updates released by Apple, particularly for macOS Monterey 12.6.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2, and their corresponding iPadOS versions. Beyond patching, security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized application behavior and entitlement usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify potentially compromised applications and ensure that only trusted, properly signed applications are installed on managed devices. Additionally, organizations should review their application deployment policies and entitlement management practices to prevent unauthorized applications from gaining elevated privileges. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust application control measures that align with security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and timely remediation of identified security weaknesses.