CVE-2022-32870 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2022
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 16, macOS Ventura 13, watchOS 9. A user with physical access to a device may be able to use Siri to obtain some call history information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32870 represents a logic flaw in Apple's operating systems that stems from inadequate state management within the Siri functionality. This issue specifically affects devices running iOS 16, macOS Ventura 13, and watchOS 9, where the system fails to properly enforce access controls when processing voice commands through Siri. The flaw allows an attacker with physical access to a device to potentially exploit Siri's call history retrieval capabilities, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent such information disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and manifests as a failure in the system's state management protocols during voice command processing. When a user invokes Siri with specific voice commands, the underlying system state does not properly validate whether the requesting user has appropriate authorization to access call history information. This logical error creates an exploitable path where physical access combined with voice interaction can circumvent normal privacy controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the operating system's core security model, particularly around user authentication and information access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to users who may not be aware that physical access to their devices can result in unauthorized access to sensitive call history information. The attack vector requires physical possession of the device, which limits its scope compared to remote exploits, but it remains concerning because it leverages legitimate system functionality against its intended security design. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as call history data can reveal personal relationships, business contacts, and other sensitive behavioral patterns that could be exploited for social engineering or targeted attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects users who may leave their devices unattended or who have devices that are physically accessible to others.
The remediation for this vulnerability involves updating to the patched versions of iOS 16, macOS Ventura 13, and watchOS 9, which implement improved state management and access control validation within the Siri subsystem. These updates address the root cause by ensuring that all voice command processing properly validates user authorization before accessing sensitive information. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient or where users may be at higher risk of device compromise. The fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing logic flaws through enhanced state management, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for Credential Access - Credentials in Files, as the vulnerability involves improper handling of access controls rather than direct credential theft. Security teams should monitor for any potential variants or similar logic flaws in other voice-activated systems and consider implementing additional physical security measures such as device encryption and automatic lock mechanisms to provide defense in depth against this class of vulnerability.