CVE-2009-2794 in iPhone OS
Summary
by MITRE
The Exchange Support component in Apple iPhone OS before 3.1, and iPhone OS before 3.1.1 for iPod touch, does not properly implement the "Maximum inactivity time lock" functionality, which allows local users to bypass intended Microsoft Exchange restrictions by choosing a large Require Passcode time value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2794 resides within the Exchange Support component of Apple iPhone OS versions prior to 3.1 and iPod touch versions prior to 3.1.1. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the device's implementation of Microsoft Exchange email synchronization protocols, specifically affecting the device's ability to enforce proper security policies when connecting to corporate email servers. The issue stems from improper handling of the "Maximum inactivity time lock" functionality that should enforce automatic device lock after periods of user inactivity.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when users configure their iPhone or iPod touch devices to require a passcode with extended inactivity timeouts. The vulnerability allows local attackers to circumvent the intended security restrictions by selecting excessively large values for the Require Passcode time setting. This bypass occurs because the Exchange Support component fails to properly validate or enforce the maximum inactivity time constraints that should be imposed by Microsoft Exchange server policies. The flaw essentially undermines the security controls that organizations rely upon to protect sensitive corporate email data when devices are left unattended or idle for extended periods.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for enterprise environments where mobile device management policies are enforced through Microsoft Exchange servers. Organizations that depend on Exchange-based security controls to protect corporate email data face potential exposure when users configure their iOS devices with overly permissive passcode requirements. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to maintain persistent access to corporate email accounts without proper authentication mechanisms being enforced. This represents a critical failure in the device's security policy enforcement capabilities, particularly when dealing with enterprise email synchronization that should be governed by strict security protocols.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which addresses inadequate session management and improper handling of security policy enforcement. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw maps to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under credential access and persistence phases, as it allows unauthorized access to corporate email accounts without proper authentication. The security implications extend to data leakage risks, as compromised devices can maintain access to sensitive corporate communications and potentially facilitate further attacks within the organization's network infrastructure. Organizations implementing mobile device management solutions that rely on Exchange server policies for device security enforcement face particular risk from this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to iPhone OS 3.1 and iPod touch 3.1.1 versions that address the implementation flaw. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as remote wipe capabilities, enhanced device monitoring, and regular security policy enforcement checks. Organizations should consider implementing more robust mobile device management solutions that can independently verify device security settings and enforce corporate policies regardless of iOS implementation flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security policy enforcement in mobile environments and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of mobile platforms that interface with enterprise security systems.