Apple devices are known for their security, but sometimes vulnerabilities slip through the cracks. In this article, we take an exclusive deep-dive into CVE-2022-32875, a logic flaw that could allow sneaky apps to access your secret location data. We’ll break down the issue, show how an exploit might work, and point you to original sources for learning more. If you’ve ever wondered how an iPhone bug could endanger your privacy, keep reading.

What is CVE-2022-32875?

CVE-2022-32875 is a security weakness in Apple’s operating systems, specifically affecting macOS Big Sur 11.7, macOS Monterey 12.6, macOS Ventura 13, iOS 16, and watchOS 9. The flaw was a logic issue with poor state management, allowing a rogue app to read sensitive location information it shouldn’t access.

Think of it this way: Even if you denied an app access to your location, due to an error in managing the approval states, the app might still peek at your whereabouts. Apple has since patched the problem, but many devices could still be at risk if not updated.

The Logic Issue: How It Happened

State management refers to keeping track of who has permission to see your private info. In this case, the bug was in the code that checks if an app has the rights to see your location. If an app asked at just the right time or after a certain sequence of actions, the system might mistakenly say, “Sure, go ahead!” even though you said, “No.”

Apple fixed it by tightening the part of the software that remembers and enforces your settings.

Potential Exploit: How an Attack Could Work

Let’s look at what an exploit might look like. Here’s a sample code snippet that shows how an attacker might abuse the logic issue (note: this is a simplified demonstration, not a weaponized exploit):

import CoreLocation

class SneakyLocationApp: NSObject, CLLocationManagerDelegate {
    let manager = CLLocationManager()

    func start() {
        manager.delegate = self
        // The bug: if the app triggers requests at certain states,
        // the OS may leak location info even if previously denied.
        manager.requestWhenInUseAuthorization()
        manager.startUpdatingLocation()
    }

    func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didUpdateLocations locations: [CLLocation]) {
        if let location = locations.first {
            print("User location leaked: \(location.coordinate.latitude), \(location.coordinate.longitude)")
            // Here, this info is being accessed without permission due to a logic flaw
        }
    }
}

With the bug present, apps could slip through the cracks by manipulating the request flow. Maybe they asked for location, got denied, but triggered a state where the OS didn't properly block access.

Impact: Why This is Bad

Apps with no legitimate reason to know your location—think games, utilities, calculators—could quietly see where you are or have been. That’s a privacy nightmare. Think stalkers, advertisers, scammers, or even governments. Your location is a valuable (and sometimes sensitive) piece of info.

How Was It Fixed?

Apple addressed the problem by improving state management in the affected operating systems, making sure the app’s permissions are correctly checked every time and your setting (deny/allow) sticks.

So, if your device says the app can’t access your location, it really means it.

watchOS before 9

If you’re running these versions or older, update now.

Original References

- Apple Security Updates – September 2022
- NIST NVD Entry for CVE-2022-32875
- Apple’s official advisory

Wrap Up

CVE-2022-32875 is a reminder that even tech giants like Apple can slip up, exposing users to privacy issues. The best protection is an up-to-date device and a healthy dose of skepticism about which apps you trust.

Timeline

Published on: 11/01/2022 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/02/2022 15:58:00 UTC