CVE-2013-5144 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Passcode Lock in Apple iOS before 7.0.3 on iPhone devices allows physically proximate attackers to bypass an intended passcode requirement, and dial arbitrary telephone numbers, by tapping the emergency-call button during a certain notification and camera-pane state to trigger a NULL pointer dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-5144 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 7.0.3 that fundamentally undermines the device's authentication mechanism. This issue specifically affects iPhone devices and exploits a weakness in the passcode lock implementation that allows attackers with physical proximity to bypass the intended security controls. The vulnerability operates through a carefully orchestrated sequence of user interactions that manipulate the device's notification and camera interface states to create an exploitable condition.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when the emergency call button is tapped during a specific window of time while the device is displaying certain notifications and camera panes. This particular timing window creates a race condition where the system fails to properly validate the state of the user interface before processing the emergency call input. The NULL pointer dereference represents a classic software error where the system attempts to access memory through an invalid pointer reference, potentially leading to application crashes or more severe system instability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to device security as it allows an attacker with physical access to bypass the passcode lock entirely and gain unrestricted access to the device's telephony capabilities. The ability to dial arbitrary telephone numbers through this bypass mechanism creates potential for unauthorized charges, malicious communications, or further social engineering attacks. Attackers could potentially use this capability to make premium rate calls, access premium services, or even impersonate the device owner for fraudulent purposes.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. This weakness in the iOS security model represents a failure in proper input validation and state management within the device's user interface subsystem. The attack vector described in the vulnerability follows ATT&CK technique T1211 which involves manipulating user interface elements to bypass security controls. This particular attack requires physical proximity to the target device, making it a privilege escalation attack that leverages the attacker's ability to interact directly with the device's hardware interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to iOS version 7.0.3 or later, which includes patches that address the NULL pointer dereference condition in the passcode lock implementation. System administrators and security teams should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected devices. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that include regular security updates, physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access, and user awareness training regarding the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper state management and input validation in mobile operating systems, particularly in security-critical components like authentication mechanisms.