CVE-2022-32879 is a logic vulnerability in Apple macOS and related Apple operating systems (iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS) that allows a user with physical access to a device to access contacts directly from the lock screen. The root cause is a flaw in state management logic that improperly controls access to contact information when the device is locked. This vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication, but does require physical access to the device. It affects multiple Apple platforms including macOS Ventura 13, iOS 15.7 and 16, iPadOS 15.7, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16. Apple addressed the issue by improving state management to prevent unauthorized access to contacts from the lock screen. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 2.4, indicating a low severity vulnerability primarily impacting confidentiality with no impact on integrity or availability. The attack vector is physical access (AV:P), with low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). There are no known exploits in the wild. This vulnerability allows an attacker with physical possession of a device to view contact information without unlocking the device, potentially exposing sensitive personal or business contact data. However, it does not allow further system compromise or data modification.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32879 is primarily related to confidentiality breaches of contact information stored on Apple devices. Organizations with employees using Apple hardware may face risks of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive contact details if devices are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized personnel. This could lead to privacy violations, social engineering, or targeted phishing attacks leveraging exposed contact data. However, since the vulnerability does not allow access beyond contacts or affect system integrity or availability, the overall operational impact is limited. The risk is higher in environments where devices are frequently used in public or shared spaces, or where physical security controls are weak. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated personal data under GDPR should consider the potential for data exposure as a compliance concern. The absence of known exploits and the requirement for physical access reduce the likelihood of widespread exploitation but do not eliminate risk from insider threats or opportunistic attackers.

To mitigate CVE-2022-32879, European organizations should ensure all Apple devices are updated to the latest patched versions of macOS Ventura 13, iOS 16, iOS 15.7, iPadOS 15.7, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16 as applicable. Physical security controls must be strengthened to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage, use of cable locks, and employee awareness training on device handling. Organizations should enforce strong device passcodes and consider enabling full disk encryption (FileVault) to protect data at rest. Additionally, disabling lock screen features that allow contact access or limiting lock screen widget functionality can reduce exposure. Regular audits of device configurations and access policies should be conducted. For highly sensitive environments, consider Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and remotely wipe lost or stolen devices promptly. Employee education on the risks of physical device access and reporting lost devices immediately is critical. Monitoring for unusual access patterns or device loss can help detect potential exploitation attempts.