CVE-2025-46277 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2025
A logging issue was addressed with improved data redaction. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.2, iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2. An app may be able to access a user’s Safari history.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2025
This vulnerability represents a significant logging security flaw that could potentially expose sensitive user browsing data through improper log handling mechanisms. The issue was specifically addressed in Apple's operating system updates for macOS Tahoe 26.2, iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, and watchOS 26.2, indicating a comprehensive approach to remediation across Apple's ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate data redaction practices in system logging components, which could inadvertently capture and retain sensitive information that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical flaw manifests as insufficient data sanitization within the logging framework where user Safari history information was not properly redacted before being written to system logs. This creates a scenario where malicious applications or attackers with access to system logs could potentially extract browsing history data, compromising user privacy and potentially enabling tracking of sensitive online activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1179 which specifically addresses inadequate logging and monitoring of sensitive data, and represents a failure in proper data handling practices that should prevent sensitive information from being exposed through system artifacts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, targeted phishing campaigns, or comprehensive user behavior profiling. Attackers could leverage access to Safari history logs to understand user interests, identify potential targets for social engineering attacks, or gain insights into corporate security practices. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile and desktop environments where users may access sensitive corporate or personal information through Safari browser, making it a critical concern for both individual privacy and enterprise security. The issue demonstrates how logging mechanisms, when not properly secured, can become attack vectors that undermine user trust and security posture.
Mitigation strategies should focus on comprehensive log review processes and implementation of robust data redaction protocols that ensure sensitive information cannot be inadvertently exposed through system logging. Organizations should conduct regular log auditing to identify potential data leakage points and implement automated tools to detect and prevent sensitive information from being written to system logs. The fix implemented by Apple in version 26.2 demonstrates the importance of proper data sanitization in logging systems and highlights the need for continuous monitoring of system components that handle user data. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring for log access patterns and establish clear policies for handling system logs that contain user-sensitive information. This vulnerability reinforces the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1070 for Indicator Removal on Host and T1562.006 for Impair Defenses, as it involves both the exposure of sensitive data through improper logging and the potential for attackers to exploit this exposure to gain further access to user information.