CVE-2012-3735 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Passcode Lock implementation in Apple iOS before 6 does not properly interact with the "Slide to Power Off" feature, which allows physically proximate attackers to see the most recently used third-party app by watching the device s screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-3735 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to version 6, specifically within the passcode lock mechanism and its interaction with the power off functionality. This issue stems from a design oversight that fails to properly secure the device screen during the power-off transition process, creating an unintended information disclosure channel that compromises user privacy and device security. The flaw manifests when a user attempts to power off their iOS device through the slide-to-power-off gesture while the device is locked, potentially exposing sensitive information about recently used applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of screen states during device shutdown procedures. When a user slides to power off a locked iOS device, the system does not adequately obscure or clear the display before the power-down sequence begins. This creates a brief window where the most recently used third-party application remains visible on screen, allowing an attacker with physical proximity to observe the application interface and potentially extract sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring any special privileges or authentication credentials beyond physical access to the device, making it exploitable through simple observation attacks.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for users who may be in environments where physical access to devices is not controlled or monitored. The exposure of recently used third-party applications can reveal personal information, business data, or other sensitive content that may be visible on the application interface. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into user behavior patterns, identify potentially sensitive applications, or discover information that could be used for social engineering attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and represents a failure in proper access control and information hiding mechanisms within the operating system's security architecture.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and relies on physical proximity to the target device, making it particularly dangerous in public or shared environments where device security may be compromised. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers credentials from password storage components, though in this case the exposure occurs through visual means rather than direct credential theft. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the device's security model to maintain proper isolation between different operational states, specifically between the locked screen state and the power-off transition process. This represents a fundamental flaw in the security boundary implementation that should prevent unauthorized access to application data during device transitions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to affected iOS versions, as Apple addressed this issue through the release of iOS 6. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest available version to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of securing their devices in public environments and avoiding leaving devices unattended in situations where physical access could be exploited. Organizations should implement policies requiring regular software updates and conduct security awareness training to help users understand the risks associated with physical device access and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing during device state transitions and proper handling of information exposure during system operations.