CVE-2022-42843 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
This issue was addressed with improved data protection. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2. A user may be able to view sensitive user information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
This vulnerability represents a data exposure issue that affected multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 16.1 and earlier versions, iPadOS 16.1 and earlier, macOS Monterey 12.6 and earlier, tvOS 16.1 and earlier, and watchOS 9.1 and earlier. The flaw allowed unauthorized access to sensitive user information through improper data protection mechanisms. Security researchers identified that the vulnerability stemmed from insufficient safeguards in how the operating systems handled sensitive data, creating potential pathways for information disclosure. The issue was particularly concerning as it affected core operating system components that manage user data and privacy controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involved weaknesses in the operating system's data protection frameworks, potentially related to improper access controls or inadequate encryption mechanisms for sensitive user information. According to CWE classification, this would fall under CWE-200 Information Exposure, which encompasses various scenarios where sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized entities. The vulnerability may have been exploitable through techniques such as improper privilege management, insecure data handling, or insufficient input validation that allowed unauthorized access to user data. The flaw was addressed through enhanced data protection mechanisms that strengthen how the operating systems manage and secure sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extended across Apple's entire ecosystem, affecting millions of devices and users who relied on these operating systems for personal and potentially corporate data management. Users could have been exposed to unauthorized access to their personal information, including but not limited to communications data, personal files, and potentially authentication credentials. The vulnerability's presence across multiple platforms meant that attackers could potentially exploit it across different device types, increasing the attack surface and potential impact. Organizations using Apple devices for business purposes would have faced increased risk of data breaches and privacy violations, potentially violating regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other data protection frameworks.
Apple's resolution involved implementing enhanced data protection measures in the updated versions of their operating systems, specifically iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2. The mitigation strategy focused on strengthening the underlying data protection mechanisms and ensuring proper access controls for sensitive user information. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 Credential Access, as it involved unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing information exposure vulnerabilities through systematic improvements to data protection frameworks and access control mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize updating affected systems to the patched versions and conduct thorough security assessments to ensure complete remediation of the vulnerability across their device fleets.