CVE-2013-5162 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Passcode Lock in Apple iOS before 7.0.3 on iPhone devices allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the passcode-failure disabled state by leveraging certain incorrect visibility of the passcode-entry view after use of the Phone app.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-5162 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 7.0.3 that affects the passcode lock mechanism on iPhone devices. This weakness stems from improper handling of the passcode entry interface following specific interactions with the Phone application, creating a window of opportunity for attackers who are physically present with the device. The flaw essentially allows unauthorized individuals to circumvent the security measures that should be triggered after multiple failed passcode attempts, which are designed to temporarily disable the device's ability to accept passcode inputs. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of user interface security and authentication mechanisms, where the system fails to properly maintain the security state after certain application transitions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the passcode entry view's visibility state after the Phone app has been used. When users interact with the Phone application and subsequently attempt to enter their passcode, the system fails to properly reset or maintain the security context that should prevent further passcode attempts after a certain number of failures. This creates a race condition or state management issue where the passcode lock mechanism becomes temporarily disabled or bypassed, allowing attackers to continue attempting to unlock the device without triggering the intended security protections. The vulnerability specifically exploits the incorrect visibility state of the passcode entry interface, which should remain hidden and protected after failed attempts but instead becomes accessible to attackers who are physically proximate to the device.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly undermines the fundamental security posture of iOS devices, particularly affecting users who rely on passcode protection as their primary defense mechanism. Attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring any special privileges, network access, or sophisticated tools, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed by anyone physically present with the target device. The vulnerability effectively nullifies the security controls designed to prevent brute force attacks and unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive personal information, financial data, and communication records stored on the device. This represents a critical failure in the authentication system's state management and could lead to widespread exploitation in scenarios where devices are left unattended or in environments where physical proximity attacks are possible.
The security implications of CVE-2013-5162 align with several common weaknesses documented in the CWE database, particularly CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and CWE-285 which covers improper authorization. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1212 which involves exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1548 which covers abuse of privileged access. Organizations and individuals should understand that this vulnerability represents a failure in the device's security architecture that could be exploited in various attack scenarios including theft situations, workplace security breaches, or targeted attacks where physical access to devices is possible. The remediation approach involves updating to iOS version 7.0.3 or later, which properly addresses the passcode state management issue and restores the intended security controls that prevent unauthorized access after multiple failed authentication attempts.
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper state management in security-critical applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor interface design flaws can create significant security risks. The issue emphasizes the need for comprehensive security testing that includes edge cases and application transition scenarios, particularly for authentication systems that must maintain security states across different application contexts. Security professionals should recognize that vulnerabilities like this one can exist even in well-established operating systems and underscore the importance of continuous security monitoring, timely patch management, and understanding the broader implications of authentication system design choices. The remediation process requires not only updating the operating system but also educating users about the importance of maintaining current security patches and understanding that physical proximity attacks remain a significant threat vector in mobile device security.