CVE-2022-32868 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE • 09/21/2022
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in Safari 16, iOS 16, iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7. A website may be able to track users through Safari web extensions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32868 represents a significant privacy concern within Apple's Safari browser ecosystem, specifically related to web extension functionality and user tracking capabilities. This logic flaw emerged from inadequate state management within Safari's web extension architecture, creating potential pathways for malicious websites to persistently monitor user activities across different browsing sessions. The issue affects Safari versions prior to 16 and iOS versions 15.7 and earlier, indicating a substantial user base that remains vulnerable to this tracking mechanism.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of extension state persistence, which allows websites to maintain tracking capabilities even when users believe they have cleared their browsing data or disabled certain features. This flaw operates at the intersection of web extension architecture and privacy controls, where the expected behavior of state management fails to adequately protect user privacy. The vulnerability manifests when Safari web extensions do not properly reset or clear their internal states upon user actions, enabling persistent tracking mechanisms to survive typical privacy maintenance operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a persistent tracking threat that can undermine user privacy expectations and browser security models. Attackers can exploit this flaw to maintain user identification across different browsing sessions, potentially linking user activities, preferences, and behaviors over extended periods. The implications extend beyond simple tracking to include potential identity theft risks, behavioral profiling, and targeted advertising manipulation that users may not be aware of. This represents a direct violation of user privacy expectations and can compromise the integrity of Safari's privacy protections.
The remediation for CVE-2022-32868 involves implementing improved state management protocols within Safari's web extension framework, ensuring that extension states are properly reset and cleared when users perform privacy-related actions. This fix aligns with established cybersecurity principles for maintaining user privacy and preventing unauthorized tracking mechanisms. The solution addresses the underlying CWE category related to improper state management and helps protect against techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the privacy violation and tracking tactics. Users should update to Safari 16, iOS 16, or the corresponding patched versions to eliminate this vulnerability. Organizations should monitor their Safari-based applications for compatibility with these updates and ensure their security policies account for the enhanced privacy protections provided by these fixes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper state management in browser security architectures and the potential consequences when such management fails.