CVE-2022-32835 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2022
This issue was addressed with improved entitlements. This issue is fixed in iOS 16, watchOS 9. An app may be able to read a persistent device identifier.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32835 represents a security flaw in Apple's iOS and watchOS operating systems that relates to improper entitlement management and device identifier exposure. This issue specifically affects versions prior to iOS 16 and watchOS 9, where applications could potentially access persistent device identifiers that should have been restricted to authorized processes only. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls that allow malicious applications to read device identifiers that are typically protected under strict entitlement policies designed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information. This represents a significant privacy and security concern as device identifiers are often used for tracking purposes and can reveal detailed information about user behavior and device characteristics.
The technical flaw manifests through improper entitlement implementation where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions on persistent device identifiers. This allows applications to bypass normal security boundaries and access identifiers that should only be available to system processes or applications with explicit authorization. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where entitlement checking mechanisms are insufficient to prevent unauthorized access to device identifiers, creating a path for privilege escalation and data exfiltration. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-284 which describes improper access control, specifically focusing on inadequate entitlement validation and access restriction enforcement. The flaw enables applications to gather sensitive device information that could be leveraged for tracking users across different applications and services, potentially leading to comprehensive behavioral profiling.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-32835 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass broader privacy violations and potential exploitation for malicious activities. Attackers could utilize this vulnerability to establish persistent tracking mechanisms across multiple applications and services, creating detailed user profiles that could be sold or used for targeted advertising. The exposure of persistent device identifiers enables sophisticated tracking capabilities that persist across application launches and device reboots, making it particularly concerning for privacy protection. From an attack surface perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 which involves discovering system information, and T1566 which covers credential access through application exploitation. The vulnerability could be exploited in conjunction with other techniques to establish persistent access or to gather additional sensitive information from the device.
The mitigation for CVE-2022-32835 requires immediate system updates to iOS 16 and watchOS 9 where Apple implemented improved entitlement enforcement mechanisms. These updates address the core issue by strengthening access controls around persistent device identifiers and ensuring proper entitlement validation occurs at all levels of the system. Organizations should ensure all affected devices are updated promptly and monitor for any suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review application entitlements and access controls to ensure no unauthorized applications have access to device identifiers. The fix implements enhanced kernel-level access control checks that validate entitlements before allowing access to persistent identifiers, preventing unauthorized applications from reading this sensitive information. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing mobile device management policies that restrict application permissions and monitor for unauthorized access attempts to device identifiers.