CVE-2014-1350 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Settings in Apple iOS before 7.1.2 allows physically proximate attackers to bypass an intended iCloud password requirement, and turn off the Find My iPhone service, by leveraging incorrect state management.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1350 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 7.1.2 that compromises the integrity of iCloud's security mechanisms. This issue stems from improper state management within the device's settings interface, specifically affecting the Find My iPhone service configuration. The vulnerability enables attackers who are physically present with a target device to exploit a weakness in the authentication flow that should otherwise require the iCloud password to make changes to critical security settings. The flaw essentially undermines the intended security model where users must provide their iCloud credentials to modify device tracking capabilities, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized access to device location data and remote tracking functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition or state inconsistency within the iOS Settings application where the system fails to properly validate the user's authentication status when transitioning between different security contexts. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating the device's interface state to bypass the password prompt that should normally appear when attempting to disable Find My iPhone. This mismanagement occurs during the transition between the main settings menu and the specific Find My iPhone configuration screen, where the system incorrectly assumes that the user has already authenticated when in reality no proper authentication has occurred. The vulnerability manifests as a failure in the authentication state machine, where the device's security context does not properly reset or verify credentials when navigating between different settings sections.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for device owners who may be physically compromised by attackers with proximity to their devices. The ability to disable Find My iPhone without proper authentication means that attackers can potentially remove device tracking capabilities and render the device untraceable, effectively nullifying one of the primary security features designed to protect against theft or loss. This vulnerability directly impacts the security model of Apple's ecosystem by allowing attackers to circumvent the intended protection mechanisms that require iCloud password verification for critical security changes. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only physical proximity rather than network access or sophisticated social engineering, making it accessible to a broader range of threat actors.
The security implications extend beyond simple device tracking removal, as this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain that may include data exfiltration, device hijacking, or further exploitation of other security weaknesses. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement within the iOS security architecture. Organizations and individuals using affected iOS versions face potential exposure to theft, unauthorized tracking, and loss of device recovery capabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper state management and authentication flow validation in mobile operating systems. According to CWE classification, this issue relates to CWE-284: Improper Access Control, specifically involving inadequate authorization checks when transitioning between security contexts. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under privilege escalation techniques where an attacker exploits a weakness in the authentication flow to gain unauthorized access to device security settings.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the iOS 7.1.2 update, which addresses the state management issue by properly enforcing authentication requirements for critical security settings. Users should also enable additional security measures such as strong passcodes, biometric authentication, and regular security updates to minimize exposure. Organizations should conduct security assessments to identify affected devices and ensure all iOS devices are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper authentication state management in mobile security implementations and the need for comprehensive security testing of interface transitions and authentication flows. System administrators should monitor for similar state management issues in other mobile platforms and ensure that security controls maintain their integrity during user interface navigation and context switching operations.