The CVE-2022-42810, a vulnerability that affects devices running on iOS 15.7.1 and iPadOS 15.7.1, tvOS 16.1, as well as macOS Ventura 13, was discovered recently. It posed a significant threat to users as it allowed attackers to potentially leak sensitive memory contents. Fortunately, the issue has been addressed through improved memory handling and respective updates on the affected platforms.

In this long-read post, we will explore the vulnerability in more detail, provide code snippets, discuss the exploitation process, and direct you to authentic reference sources.

The Vulnerability: CVE-2022-42810
The CVE-2022-42810 vulnerability specifically concerns the way affected devices handle Universal Scene Description (USD) files. USD is an efficient, scalable system for authoring, reading, and streaming time-sampled scene description for offline rendering, real-time rendering, and procedural generation. A maliciously crafted USD file could be used to exploit the vulnerability, disclosing sensitive memory contents to an attacker.

For more information on USD, visit: https://graphics.pixar.com/usd/docs/index.html

Here is a code snippet that represents a USD file

#usda 1.
(
    defaultPrim = "World"
)

def Xform "World" (
)
{
    def Sphere "Sphere_1" (
    )
    {
        double radius = 1
    }
}

The Exploitation Process

An attacker would first have to create a maliciously crafted USD file that exploits the vulnerability present in the affected devices' USD processing software. This exploit would center around manipulating the way memory is handled in the application. To achieve this, an attacker might employ techniques such as buffer overflows or use-after-free vulnerabilities.

Once the malicious USD file is created, the attacker would then need to find a way to convince or 'socially engineer' a target to open the file. This could be done through phishing emails, social media, or any other platform where files can be shared amongst users.

When the target opens the crafted USD file, the vulnerability would be exploited, allowing the attacker to potentially gain access to sensitive memory contents on the target's device. This information could include passwords, personal information, or sensitive business documents.

Mitigating CVE-2022-42810

To tackle this vulnerability, memory handling has been improved in the latest updates for the affected platforms. Patching the issue eliminates the risk associated with opening maliciously crafted USD files.

macOS Ventura 13

Updates can be accessed via each device's respective software update settings, or alternatively, users can visit their device's product support website for guidance on updating.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-42810 is an essential reminder of the importance of maintaining updated software on all devices and exercising caution when downloading or opening files from unknown sources. By updating devices to the latest software releases and staying vigilant against phishing and social engineering attempts, the risk of falling prey to this vulnerability, as well as countless others, can be significantly reduced.

Original References

For more information about CVE-2022-42810 and the appropriate steps to mitigate the vulnerability, please refer to the following official sources:

- Apple Security Advisory (including detailed information about affected devices and recommended updates): https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213220
- CVE-2022-42810 Details: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-42810
- Universal Scene Description (USD) Documentation: https://graphics.pixar.com/usd/docs/index.html

Timeline

Published on: 11/01/2022 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/03/2022 03:54:00 UTC