CVE-2008-0034 in iPhone
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Passcode Lock in Apple iPhone 1.0 through 1.1.2 allows users with physical access to execute applications without entering the passcode via vectors related to emergency calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0034 represents a critical security flaw in the iPhone 1.0 through 1.1.2 passcode lock implementation that fundamentally undermines the device's primary authentication mechanism. This weakness specifically targets the emergency call functionality within the iOS operating system, creating an unauthorized access pathway that bypasses the standard passcode verification process. The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of emergency call initiation sequences that should have been restricted to authenticated users only. Attackers with physical access to a locked iPhone device can exploit this flaw by initiating an emergency call, which then allows them to execute applications and access device functionality without providing the required passcode. This represents a significant failure in the device's security architecture, as it violates the fundamental principle of authentication that should prevent unauthorized access to device resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a design flaw in how the iPhone's operating system processes emergency call requests when the device is locked. When a user attempts to make an emergency call from the lock screen, the system fails to properly validate that the call attempt is being made by an authenticated user. This oversight creates a race condition or logic flaw in the authentication flow where the emergency call handler does not properly enforce passcode requirements. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and does not require network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques. The flaw exists in the kernel-level code that manages lock screen operations and emergency services, making it extremely difficult to patch without a complete system update.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data theft, privacy violations, and device misuse. An attacker with physical possession of a locked iPhone can access all stored applications, contacts, messages, photos, and other sensitive data without the owner's knowledge. This vulnerability effectively renders the passcode lock mechanism useless for protecting device contents against determined attackers who have physical access to the device. The threat landscape is particularly dangerous because it enables both casual data theft and more sophisticated attacks such as malware installation, remote access, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability also creates potential for social engineering attacks where attackers can use the device's applications to impersonate the legitimate user or access sensitive communication channels. This weakness directly impacts the device's security model and compromises the trust users place in their mobile device's protection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and user awareness measures. Apple addressed this issue through firmware updates that properly enforce passcode requirements during emergency call initiation, ensuring that the authentication process cannot be bypassed. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that mandate regular security updates and educate users about the risks associated with physical device access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication flow management in mobile operating systems, aligning with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-284 for improper access control and CWE-362 for race conditions. From an attack surface perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1547.001 for registry run keys and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially use the bypassed access to execute malicious code or establish persistent access. Users should be advised to implement additional security measures such as device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and regular security audits to protect against exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.