IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS8.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2022-42856|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

Apple iOS Type Confusion Vulnerability (CVE-2022-42856)

Apple iOS contains a type confusion vulnerability when processing maliciously crafted web content leading to code execution.

Published Dec 15, 2022 · Updated May 17, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2023-01-04 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Type Confusion (CWE-843) vulnerability in Apple iOS. A type confusion issue was addressed with improved state handling. This issue is fixed in Safari 16.2, tvOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2, iOS 16.1.2. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1.. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and user interaction required.

📧

Phishing link

→

🖼

Malicious file

🔓

Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

●Apple Device Administrators
●Endpoint Security
●IT Security
●Running safari: v < 16.2; ipados: v < 15.7.2; iphone os: v < 15.7.2, 16.0 ≤ v < 16.1.2; macos: v < 13.1; tvos: v < 16.2
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2022-12-14 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2023-01-04.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

1
Identify affected hosts: query inventory for os installs in scope.
2
Apply the vendor security update referenced in CVE-2022-42856's advisory. No specific KB/version is encoded yet — consult the linked MSRC/vendor URL.
3
Verify the fix per the vendor's published verification steps.
4
Document the remediation in your change ticket and re-scan with your vulnerability scanner to confirm closure.
PowerShell automationComing soon

No tested PowerShell script for this entry yet. We’re prioritising automation based on user demand.

References

↗ CVE-2022-42856↗ MSRC Advisory↗ NVD↗ Vendor Advisory