CVE-2022-48504 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2024
The issue was addressed with improved handling of caches. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13. An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48504 represents a significant security weakness in macOS systems that could potentially allow unauthorized access to user-sensitive data through improper cache handling mechanisms. This issue specifically affects the operating system's cache management functionality and was resolved in macOS Ventura version 13. The vulnerability stems from inadequate protection measures within the system's caching infrastructure, which could enable malicious applications to exploit weaknesses in how cached data is managed and accessed.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the operating system handles cached information, particularly when applications attempt to access data that should remain protected or private. This improper cache handling creates a potential attack vector where applications might be able to retrieve sensitive user information that should be restricted to authorized processes only. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure issues, where the system fails to properly enforce access controls on cached data that may contain personal or confidential information.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could allow malicious applications to gain access to user-sensitive data through cache manipulation techniques. The potential consequences include exposure of personal information, authentication credentials, or other confidential data that applications should not be able to access through normal operations. This type of vulnerability particularly concerns security professionals because it operates at the system level and could potentially be exploited by both malicious applications and attackers who gain access to compromised systems.
The remediation for CVE-2022-48504 was implemented through enhanced cache handling procedures in macOS Ventura 13, which improved the system's ability to properly manage and protect cached data. This fix addresses the underlying issue by strengthening the cache management mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with common weaknesses documented in CWE categories related to information exposure and improper access control in system resources. The fix represents a standard approach to mitigating cache-related security issues by implementing more robust access controls and data protection measures.
Organizations should ensure all systems are updated to macOS Ventura 13 or later to address this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. The remediation process involves verifying that cache management systems properly enforce access controls and that sensitive data is appropriately protected within the system's caching infrastructure. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and highlights the ongoing need for careful attention to system-level cache management and data protection mechanisms in operating systems.