CVE-2022-22620
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple's WebKit browser engine that could allow arbitrary code execution when processing malicious web content. Attackers could exploit this to take control of affected systems. The vulnerability affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Safari users running vulnerable versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- Safari
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Safari by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Browser compromise allowing session hijacking, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are fully patched, use application sandboxing, and have web content filtering in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Apple confirmed active exploitation in the wild. The vulnerability requires no authentication and can be triggered simply by visiting a malicious website.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Monterey 12.2.1, iOS 15.3.1, iPadOS 15.3.1, Safari 15.3 (builds 16612.4.9.1.8 and 15612.4.9.1.8)
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213091
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update on macOS or Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS. 2. Install all available updates. 3. Restart the device when prompted. 4. For Safari on other platforms, update through the App Store or Apple Software Update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript
macOSTemporarily disable JavaScript in Safari to prevent exploitation while waiting to patch
Safari > Preferences > Security > uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Alternative Browser
allUse a non-WebKit based browser until systems can be patched
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web content filtering to block known malicious sites and suspicious JavaScript
- Segment network to limit lateral movement from potentially compromised systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version: macOS - About This Mac > macOS version; iOS/iPadOS - Settings > General > About > Version; Safari - Safari > About SafariCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings app; Safari: defaults read /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info.plist CFBundleShortVersionStringVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version numbers match or exceed: macOS 12.2.1, iOS 15.3.1, iPadOS 15.3.1, Safari 15.3 (build 16612.4.9.1.8 or 15612.4.9.1.8)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Safari/WebKit crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected process spawning from Safari/WebKit processes
- Network connections to suspicious domains from browser processes
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to known exploit kit domains
- Unusual JavaScript execution patterns in web traffic
SIEM Query:
process_name:Safari AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) AND memory_access_violation OR process_name:Safari AND child_process_spawn🔗 References
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-39
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213091
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213092
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213093
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-39
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213091
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213092
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213093
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-22620
