CVE-2022-42852

What it actually does

Flaw in WebKit memory handling allows processing of malicious web content to disclose contents of the browser process memory.

Why it matters to the business

Attackers may obtain sensitive user data or application internals through browser memory leaks, increasing risk of data exposure across widely deployed Apple platforms with high ecosystem prevalence.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker hosts or delivers malicious web content that exploits the WebKit type confusion/memory flaw; when rendered in a vulnerable browser, process memory is leaked back to the attacker. Listed threat actors have been associated with similar Apple WebKit issues.

How to fix it

Upgrade affected Apple products to the fixed versions: Safari 16.2, tvOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2. Apply updates promptly given the 1392 days since publication and slight EPSS increase.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify browser and OS versions match or exceed the listed fixed releases; test rendering of known proof-of-concept web content in updated environments to confirm memory disclosure is prevented.

Typical attack path

1. Craft and host malicious web content targeting WebKit
2. Lure victim to visit the page using a vulnerable Apple browser or app
3. Trigger the memory handling flaw during content processing
4. Receive and extract disclosed process memory data

How to detect it

Review web proxy, browser, and endpoint logs for visits to suspicious domains or unusual memory access patterns associated with WebKit rendering; correlate with threat actor TTPs for Apple product vulnerabilities.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching all Apple endpoints to the specified fixed versions
• Monitor EPSS trend and threat actor activity for similar WebKit issues
• Enable automatic updates for Safari, iOS, macOS and related products
• Review web content filtering controls for high-risk user populations