CVE-2012-3740 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Passcode Lock implementation in Apple iOS before 6 does not properly manage the lock state, which allows physically proximate attackers to bypass an intended passcode requirement via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3740 represents a critical flaw in Apple iOS security architecture that existed prior to version 6. This weakness specifically targets the passcode lock implementation mechanism that governs device access control and authentication. The vulnerability stems from improper management of the device lock state, creating a scenario where unauthorized physical access can circumvent the intended security measures. The flaw operates at a fundamental level within the operating system's security framework, affecting how the device maintains and validates its locked state during various user interactions and system operations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially gain access to locked devices without proper authentication, undermining the core security principle of device protection.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves the improper state management of the device lock mechanism within iOS. When a device is locked, the system should maintain a consistent security state that requires valid authentication before granting access to device functions and data. However, the flaw allows attackers to manipulate the device's lock state through unspecified vectors that typically involve physical proximity to the device. This creates a window where the device may transition from a locked state to an unlocked state without proper authentication, effectively bypassing the passcode requirement. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level or deep system services that manage device security states, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring sophisticated techniques or network access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized device access to encompass significant data security risks. When an attacker can bypass the passcode lock, they gain access to all data stored on the device including personal information, communications, financial records, and business data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by attackers who are physically near the device, making it applicable to scenarios such as device theft, unauthorized access in shared environments, or social engineering attacks. The attack vector does not require network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it highly accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise. This vulnerability essentially undermines the device's primary security mechanism and can lead to comprehensive data compromise across all applications and stored information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to iOS version 6 or later, which contain the patched implementation of the passcode lock mechanism. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that include regular security updates, device encryption enforcement, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing layered security approaches that do not rely solely on device lock mechanisms. From a security architecture perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for proper state management and validation of security mechanisms, aligning with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-284 for improper access control and CWE-310 for cryptographic issues. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1213 which involves data from information repositories, as unauthorized access can lead to extraction of sensitive data from locked devices. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as remote wipe capabilities, enhanced monitoring systems, and regular security assessments to address potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in device security implementations.