CVE-2022-46701 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
The issue was addressed with improved bounds checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2. Connecting to a malicious NFS server may lead to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46701 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's operating systems that affects iOS 16.1 and earlier versions, iPadOS 16.1 and earlier versions, macOS Monterey 12.6 and earlier versions, and tvOS 16.1 and earlier versions. This issue stems from insufficient bounds checking within the Network File System (NFS) implementation, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems that connect to NFS servers, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network file sharing is prevalent. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly routine network protocols can become attack vectors when proper input validation mechanisms are absent or inadequate.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of data structures during NFS protocol processing, where the system fails to validate the boundaries of incoming data packets before processing them. This lack of proper bounds checking creates opportunities for attackers to craft malicious NFS server responses that can trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. When exploited, these conditions can allow an attacker controlling a malicious NFS server to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context of the affected device. The exploitation requires the victim system to establish a connection to the malicious NFS server, making it a remote attack vector that can be delivered through various network access points. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes issues related to insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic example of how network protocol implementations can become attack surfaces when defensive programming practices are not properly implemented.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-46701 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems through kernel-level execution. This level of access enables attackers to bypass all user-mode security controls, install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS creates a substantial attack surface that could affect millions of devices. Organizations with network infrastructure that relies on NFS services or those that may unknowingly connect to malicious NFS servers face significant risk, particularly in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur without user interaction once a connection is established, making it particularly dangerous in automated environments or when users connect to untrusted networks.
Apple's response to this vulnerability involved implementing enhanced bounds checking mechanisms within the NFS subsystem, which is a standard defensive approach for addressing buffer overflow conditions. The fix is included in iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, and tvOS 16.2, requiring system administrators to update their devices to mitigate the risk. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected systems and consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review their network configurations to minimize exposure to untrusted NFS servers and consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how even well-established protocols like NFS can contain implementation flaws that require ongoing security assessment and validation. This case study reinforces the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, where attackers can leverage protocol implementation weaknesses to gain deeper system access and maintain persistence.