CVE-2022-48610 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2025
This issue was addressed through improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.1, watchOS 9.2, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2. An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw that emerged in Apple's mobile and desktop operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to the security patches released in macOS Ventura 13.1, watchOS 9.2, iOS 16.2, and iPadOS 16.2. The issue stems from inadequate state management within the operating system's security framework, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data access. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, which encompasses weaknesses that allow improper access to resources or data. This type of flaw typically occurs when the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions or maintain consistent security boundaries between different application contexts and system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how improper state handling can lead to privilege escalation or information disclosure scenarios. When an application fails to properly manage its internal state or maintain secure boundaries with other system processes, it may inadvertently expose sensitive user data to unauthorized access. This could manifest through memory corruption issues, improper privilege checks, or failure to validate application contexts before granting access to protected resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability affects core operating system components that handle user data, potentially allowing malicious applications to access sensitive information that should remain protected within system-internal boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model that Apple employs to protect user privacy. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to access personal information, communications data, or other sensitive user content that applications should not be able to access. The remediation through improved state management indicates that the fix involved strengthening the operating system's ability to properly track and control application states, ensuring that security boundaries remain intact during application execution and transitions. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation and information gathering techniques that adversaries might use to access sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the patched operating system versions across all affected devices, as the security improvements implemented by Apple specifically address the root cause through enhanced state management protocols. Organizations should prioritize updating their mobile and desktop fleets to ensure that the improved security controls are properly implemented. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect any anomalous application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on applications that attempt to access data outside their normal operational contexts. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing access control weaknesses through systematic improvements to their security architecture, aligning with industry best practices for maintaining secure state management in complex operating system environments.