CVE-2022-32849 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
An information disclosure issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, tvOS 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5, Security Update 2022-005 Catalina. An app may be able to access sensitive user information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32849 represents an information disclosure flaw that existed within Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS 15.5 and earlier versions, iPadOS 15.5 and earlier, macOS Big Sur 11.6.7 and earlier, tvOS 15.5 and earlier, and macOS Monterey 12.4 and earlier. This issue falls under the category of information exposure vulnerabilities that can potentially allow malicious applications to access sensitive user data without proper authorization. The vulnerability was categorized as a weakness in the system's access control mechanisms, which could be classified as a CWE-200 weakness related to exposure of sensitive information. The flaw was addressed through code removal rather than patching, indicating a fundamental architectural issue that required complete removal of the vulnerable functionality. This approach aligns with security best practices when dealing with critical access control vulnerabilities where partial fixes might leave residual attack surfaces.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user data access within Apple's operating system frameworks, particularly affecting the way applications could potentially bypass normal security boundaries to access sensitive user information. The flaw likely existed in the kernel or system-level APIs that govern data access permissions, allowing applications to escalate privileges or access data that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the system level rather than application level, meaning that even legitimate applications could potentially exploit the flaw to access user data. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, though more specifically related to privilege escalation and data access. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited by any application with sufficient privileges, potentially including malicious apps that could use this flaw to extract personal information, credentials, or other sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-32849 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it could enable attackers to gather comprehensive information about users' personal data, device configurations, and potentially even authentication credentials. This vulnerability would have affected millions of Apple device users across multiple platforms, creating a significant security risk that required immediate attention. The issue was particularly concerning in enterprise environments where device security is paramount, as it could have allowed attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate data. Organizations using Apple devices would have needed to implement immediate mitigation strategies, including updating to the fixed versions and potentially monitoring for suspicious application behavior. The vulnerability also highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all supported operating system versions, as the issue was resolved through security updates released by Apple for iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, macOS Big Sur 11.6.8, tvOS 15.6, and macOS Monterey 12.5.
The resolution of CVE-2022-32849 through code removal rather than patching demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing critical access control vulnerabilities that pose significant security risks. This method of remediation ensures complete elimination of the vulnerability without the risk of partial fixes or workarounds that might leave residual security gaps. The security update process required users and organizations to upgrade to the specified fixed versions, which included comprehensive security improvements across all affected platforms. Organizations should have implemented immediate deployment of these security updates across their device fleets, particularly focusing on devices that handle sensitive information or operate in high-risk environments. The vulnerability's resolution also emphasized the importance of continuous security monitoring and the need for organizations to maintain awareness of security advisories from vendors, as this flaw could have been exploited by threat actors before the patch was released. The fix was part of a broader security update cycle that addressed multiple vulnerabilities, demonstrating the interconnected nature of modern security threats and the necessity for comprehensive patch management strategies.