CVE-2008-4229 in iPhone OS
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the Passcode Lock feature in Apple iPhone OS 2.0 through 2.1 and iPhone OS for iPod touch 2.0 through 2.1 allows physically proximate attackers to remove the lock and launch arbitrary applications by restoring the device from a backup.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4229 represents a critical race condition flaw within Apple's Passcode Lock implementation across iPhone OS versions 2.0 through 2.1 and iPod touch OS 2.0 through 2.1. This security weakness specifically targets the device's lock screen protection mechanism, creating an exploitable window where unauthorized physical access can bypass security controls. The vulnerability fundamentally undermines the intended security posture of mobile device encryption and user authentication, as it allows attackers with proximity to the device to circumvent the passcode protection entirely. The race condition occurs during the device restoration process, where timing-sensitive operations fail to properly validate the device state, creating a security gap that attackers can exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the iOS operating system's passcode lock subsystem. When a device is restored from backup, the system fails to adequately verify that the device remains in a locked state before proceeding with the restoration process. This race condition creates a temporal window where an attacker can manipulate the device state between the check for lock status and the actual restoration execution. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level within the iOS kernel, affecting core security components that govern device access controls and encryption management. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent programming environments where improper synchronization can lead to security breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized device access, as it enables attackers to launch arbitrary applications with elevated privileges. The restored device state can contain malicious payloads that execute with full system permissions, potentially leading to complete device compromise. Attackers with physical proximity can exploit this weakness without requiring sophisticated technical skills or network access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where mobile devices are left unattended. The vulnerability affects not only individual user privacy but also corporate security policies, as it can be leveraged to gain access to sensitive business data stored on mobile devices. This type of attack vector is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes, and T1021, which covers remote access and privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches from Apple, as the flaw exists in the core operating system architecture. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest available iOS versions that address this race condition. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for unauthorized device modifications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and state checking mechanisms in security-critical applications, emphasizing the need for robust concurrent programming practices. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when conducting mobile device security assessments and implement additional monitoring controls to detect suspicious restoration activities. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of thorough testing for race conditions in security-sensitive code, particularly in operating system components that govern device access controls and data protection mechanisms.