CVE-2014-1274 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
FaceTime in Apple iOS before 7.1 allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive FaceTime contact information by using the lock screen for an invalid FaceTime call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2014-1274 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 7.1 that affects the FaceTime functionality and demonstrates a critical weakness in the operating system's lock screen security model. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern access to FaceTime contact information when a device is locked, creating an unintended pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of FaceTime call requests that originate from the lock screen interface. When a user's device is locked, the FaceTime system should require proper authentication before granting access to contact information or initiating calls. However, the vulnerability allows attackers who are physically proximate to a locked device to exploit a race condition or improper access control mechanism that permits the display of FaceTime contact details without proper authentication. This flaw operates at the interface level where the lock screen presentation logic fails to adequately verify the legitimacy of incoming FaceTime requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to sensitive personal contact information that could be used for social engineering attacks, identity theft, or targeted phishing campaigns. The fact that the attack requires only physical proximity makes it particularly concerning for mobile device security, as it can be exploited in public spaces or unattended devices without requiring sophisticated technical skills or network access. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control issues and represents a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement within the iOS security architecture.
The attack vector described in this vulnerability follows the ATT&CK technique T1566 Credential Access through Social Engineering, as it exploits the trust relationship between the device owner and the device's lock screen security model. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to perform unauthorized access to contact information through a legitimate system interface that should have been protected from unauthorized access. This represents a failure in the iOS security model's ability to maintain proper isolation between different security contexts, particularly when transitioning from a locked to an unlocked state.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper authentication requirements for all FaceTime interactions that occur on locked devices, ensuring that contact information is only accessible after proper user authentication. Apple's subsequent patch for iOS 7.1 addressed this issue by strengthening the lock screen security model for FaceTime calls and implementing proper access controls that prevent unauthorized disclosure of contact information. Organizations should ensure their iOS devices are updated to versions that contain this security fix, as the vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or in environments where device security is paramount. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for all user interface elements, particularly those that handle sensitive information and operate under different security contexts.