CVE-2025-46292 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2025
This issue was addressed with additional entitlement checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, iOS 18.7.3 and iPadOS 18.7.3. An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2025
This vulnerability represents a privilege escalation issue that allowed applications to bypass intended access controls and potentially access user-sensitive data. The flaw existed due to insufficient entitlement validation mechanisms within the operating system's security framework, creating a pathway for malicious or poorly designed applications to gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability was particularly concerning as it could enable apps to read data that should have been restricted to system-level processes or specific authorized applications. The issue was addressed through enhanced entitlement checks that validate application permissions more rigorously before granting access to sensitive data repositories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involved an insufficient validation of application entitlements during runtime operations, allowing an app to exploit a logic flaw in the access control system. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-285, where applications can perform actions they should not be permitted to execute. The flaw could have been exploited through various attack vectors including direct API calls, memory manipulation, or by leveraging existing application permissions to escalate privileges. The vulnerability's impact was significant as it could potentially allow unauthorized data access without user consent or awareness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access issues, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the operating system's security model. Applications that should have been restricted from accessing sensitive user information could now potentially extract personal data, system configurations, or other confidential information. This creates a risk of data breaches, privacy violations, and potential exploitation for further attacks. The vulnerability could have been particularly dangerous in environments where users trust applications with sensitive data or where applications operate with elevated privileges. The issue highlights the critical importance of robust entitlement validation in mobile operating systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor access control gaps can have significant security implications.
The fix implemented in iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 addresses the vulnerability through strengthened entitlement validation mechanisms that ensure applications cannot access user-sensitive data without proper authorization. This update implements additional checks that verify application permissions against system entitlements before allowing data access operations. The mitigation approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and follows security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. Users should immediately update to the patched versions to protect against potential exploitation attempts. The fix represents a defensive measure that prevents applications from leveraging the access control bypass to extract sensitive information, thereby restoring the intended security boundaries within the operating system's architecture. Organizations should monitor for any applications that may have been exploiting this vulnerability and ensure comprehensive patch management across all affected devices.