CVE-2022-32861 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple macOS and Safari browser versions prior to macOS Monterey 12.5 and Safari 15.6. The vulnerability stems from a logic issue related to state management within the system, which allows an attacker to track a user through their IP address. Specifically, this flaw could enable remote attackers to correlate user activity or identify users by exploiting the way the system handles network state information, potentially bypassing privacy protections that normally obscure or limit IP address exposure. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The impact is limited to confidentiality, as it allows tracking but does not affect data integrity or availability. Apple addressed this issue by improving state management in the affected components, and the fix is included in Safari 15.6 and macOS Monterey 12.5 updates. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and the affected versions are unspecified but presumably all versions before the patch release.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily poses a privacy risk rather than a direct threat to system integrity or availability. Organizations handling sensitive user data or operating in privacy-sensitive sectors (e.g., healthcare, finance, legal) could face regulatory scrutiny if user IP addresses are exposed or tracked without consent, potentially violating GDPR requirements. Additionally, attackers could use this vulnerability to profile users, track their browsing habits, or correlate activity across sessions, undermining user anonymity and privacy. While the technical impact is limited, the reputational damage and compliance risks could be significant, especially for companies providing services to European citizens. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of a broader reconnaissance or targeted tracking campaign by threat actors focusing on high-value targets within Europe.

European organizations should ensure that all Apple devices and Safari browsers are updated to macOS Monterey 12.5 and Safari 15.6 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Network administrators should monitor network traffic for unusual patterns that might indicate tracking attempts. Employing VPNs or anonymizing proxies can help mask IP addresses and reduce exposure. Organizations should review and enforce strict privacy policies and educate users about the importance of applying security updates promptly. Additionally, deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that can detect anomalous network behavior related to tracking attempts may provide early warning. For environments where Apple devices are critical, consider implementing network segmentation and limiting unnecessary external connectivity to reduce the attack surface.