CVE-2022-42866 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
The issue was addressed with improved handling of caches. This issue is fixed in iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2. An app may be able to read sensitive location information.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-42866 represents a significant security flaw in Apple's operating systems that affects multiple platform versions including iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2. This issue specifically relates to improper cache handling mechanisms that create potential information disclosure risks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and management of cached location data within the system's memory management architecture, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to sensitive geolocation information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through flawed cache management protocols that fail to properly isolate and secure location data within the system's memory hierarchy. When applications request location services, the caching mechanism should maintain strict boundaries between different data contexts and prevent cross-contamination of sensitive information. However, the flaw allows an application to potentially access cached location data that should be restricted to specific contexts or users. This cache handling deficiency creates a path where malicious or compromised applications can exploit memory access patterns to retrieve location information that was not intended for their use. The vulnerability operates at the system level rather than being application-specific, making it particularly concerning as it affects the underlying security model of the operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-42866 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as location data represents highly sensitive personal information that can be exploited for various malicious purposes including tracking, surveillance, and targeted attacks. The vulnerability could enable attackers to reconstruct user movement patterns, identify home addresses, workplace locations, and other personally identifiable information through the cached location data. Security researchers have classified this issue under the CWE-200 category for "Information Exposure" and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and reconnaissance. The flaw particularly affects users who rely on location-based services and could compromise privacy for individuals who use their devices in sensitive contexts. Organizations and individuals who depend on location privacy for operational security or personal safety are particularly vulnerable to exploitation through this cache management weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-42866 primarily involve applying the vendor-provided security updates that address the cache handling mechanisms in the affected operating system versions. Apple's patch implementation focuses on strengthening the isolation boundaries within the caching system and implementing more rigorous validation checks for location data access. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2 updates across all affected devices. Additionally, users should consider implementing additional security measures such as disabling location services for non-essential applications, regularly reviewing app permissions, and monitoring for unusual location data access patterns. The fix addresses the root cause by improving cache invalidation procedures and strengthening memory access controls for location data, thereby preventing unauthorized cross-application access to cached geolocation information. Organizations should also conduct security assessments to identify any applications that may have been exploiting this vulnerability prior to patch deployment.