CVE-2022-32835 is a vulnerability identified in Apple iOS, where an application may be able to read a persistent device identifier without proper authorization. This issue stems from insufficient entitlement enforcement, allowing apps to access device identifiers that are intended to remain private and persistent across app installs or device resets. Persistent device identifiers can be used to track users across apps and services, potentially compromising user privacy. The vulnerability was addressed by Apple through improved entitlement checks and fixed in iOS 16 and watchOS 9. The CVSS score of 3.3 (low severity) reflects that exploitation requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R). The impact is limited to confidentiality (C:L) with no effect on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild, and the vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information).

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is related to user privacy and data protection compliance, particularly under regulations like the GDPR. If malicious or unauthorized apps exploit this vulnerability, they could track device users persistently, potentially leading to profiling or unauthorized data collection. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the exposure of persistent device identifiers can undermine trust in mobile applications and services. Organizations that develop or distribute iOS apps, or rely on iOS devices for sensitive operations, should be aware of this risk. The impact is more pronounced for sectors handling sensitive personal data, such as finance, healthcare, and government services, where privacy breaches can lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

European organizations should ensure that all iOS devices are updated to iOS 16 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. App developers should review their entitlement configurations to prevent unauthorized access to device identifiers. Organizations should enforce strict app vetting policies, only allowing apps from trusted sources and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app installations and permissions. Additionally, privacy-focused app development practices should be adopted, minimizing reliance on persistent device identifiers and using Apple's recommended APIs for user tracking that respect user consent and privacy. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual app behavior related to device identifier access can further reduce risk.