CVE-2023-42922 is a security vulnerability identified in Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems that allows an application to read sensitive location information that should otherwise be protected. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient redaction of sensitive location data, which means that apps with certain permissions could access more precise or sensitive location details than intended by the system’s privacy controls. This issue affects multiple Apple OS versions prior to the patched releases, including iOS 16.x, 17.x, iPadOS 16.x, 17.x, and macOS Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma versions before the specified updates. Apple has remediated the vulnerability by enhancing the redaction process to better protect location data, releasing fixes in macOS Sonoma 14.2, iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, and backported patches for earlier OS versions. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, but the vulnerability poses a risk because location data is highly sensitive and can reveal user movements and habits. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond app installation and permission granting, making it a stealthy privacy risk. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be inferred from the nature of the data exposed and the ease of exploitation. Since location data confidentiality is critical and the vulnerability can be exploited by apps already installed on the device, the impact is significant. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict data redaction and permission enforcement in mobile operating systems to protect user privacy.

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive location information can have serious privacy and security implications. Location data can reveal employee movements, sensitive site visits, and patterns that could be exploited for targeted attacks or espionage. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data may face compliance violations under GDPR and other privacy laws if location data is leaked or accessed without proper consent. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious or compromised apps to track users covertly, undermining trust in mobile device security. This risk is particularly acute for sectors such as government, defense, finance, and critical infrastructure operators who rely heavily on Apple devices. Additionally, the breach of location confidentiality could lead to physical security risks for personnel and assets. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details are public. Therefore, European organizations must treat this vulnerability seriously to avoid data breaches and regulatory penalties.

1. Immediately apply the security patches released by Apple for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS as listed: macOS Sonoma 14.2, iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS Ventura 13.6.3, iOS 16.7.3, iPadOS 16.7.3, and macOS Monterey 12.7.2. 2. Review and restrict app permissions related to location data, ensuring only trusted apps have access. 3. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies to control app installations and enforce permission restrictions. 4. Educate users about the risks of granting location permissions to untrusted apps. 5. Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual access patterns or data exfiltration attempts related to location information. 6. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous app behavior on Apple devices. 7. Maintain an inventory of Apple devices and ensure they are updated promptly as part of vulnerability management. 8. Coordinate with legal and compliance teams to assess potential GDPR impacts and prepare incident response plans for location data exposure.