CVE-2013-5161 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Passcode Lock in Apple iOS before 7.0.2 does not properly manage the lock state, which allows physically proximate attackers to bypass an intended passcode requirement, and open the Camera app or read the list of all recently opened apps, by leveraging unspecified transition errors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-5161 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 7.0.2 that fundamentally compromises the device's passcode protection mechanism. This issue resides within the operating system's lock state management system, where the device fails to properly enforce the passcode requirement when transitioning between different operational states. The flaw specifically affects the passcode lock functionality that should prevent unauthorized access to sensitive device features and data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from unspecified transition errors that occur during the device's state management processes. These transition errors create a window of opportunity for attackers who are physically proximate to the device, allowing them to exploit the inconsistent lock state handling. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass the intended passcode requirement and gain access to two distinct but significant areas of the device: the Camera application and the list of recently opened applications. The Camera app access represents a direct threat to privacy and security, while the recent apps list provides attackers with valuable information about the device user's activities and potentially sensitive application usage patterns.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious security risk for iOS users as it allows physical proximity attacks to completely circumvent the device's primary access control mechanism. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical skill and can be executed by anyone who has physical access to the device, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. The ability to access the Camera app means that attackers can capture images or video without the device owner's knowledge, while access to recently opened applications provides insight into the user's behavioral patterns and potentially sensitive information about their digital activities.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control flaws, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms that fail to properly enforce security policies. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1550.001 for default credentials and credential dumping, as the vulnerability exploits the device's default security state management rather than requiring complex credential extraction methods. Additionally, it represents a privilege escalation vector that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to device features that should be protected by the passcode lock mechanism. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in core security components can create significant risks for end users.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediately updating to iOS 7.0.2 or later versions where Apple has addressed the lock state management issues. Users should also enable additional security measures such as biometric authentication where available, and consider implementing device encryption to provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should conduct security assessments to identify devices running vulnerable iOS versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive testing of security-critical components, particularly those related to state management and access control mechanisms, and underscores the need for robust security validation processes during software development and release cycles.