CVE-2014-1353 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Lock Screen in Apple iOS before 7.1.2 does not properly manage the telephony state in Airplane Mode, which allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the lock protection mechanism, and access a certain foreground application, via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-1353 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 7.1.2 that specifically targets the device lock screen protection mechanism. This issue occurs within the telephony state management system when the device operates in Airplane Mode, creating a significant bypass opportunity for attackers who are physically proximate to the target device. The flaw fundamentally undermines the core security principle of device access control by allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to foreground applications without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of telephony state transitions within the iOS operating system. When a device enters Airplane Mode, the system should maintain strict security boundaries and prevent unauthorized access to protected applications. However, the flaw allows attackers to manipulate the telephony state in such a way that the lock screen protection mechanism fails to properly enforce access controls. This occurs through unspecified vectors that exploit the communication protocols between the telephony subsystem and the lock screen management components, creating a window of opportunity for unauthorized access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to user privacy and data security as it enables attackers to bypass the lock screen protection mechanism entirely. The requirement for physical proximity significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the threat, particularly in environments where devices may be left unattended or in public spaces. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive foreground applications, potentially including email clients, messaging applications, and other data repositories that contain personal and potentially confidential information. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data exfiltration and further exploitation opportunities.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1546.004 related to exploitation of device lock bypass mechanisms. This flaw represents a significant weakness in iOS security architecture that could enable attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive applications. Security professionals should recognize this as a critical vulnerability requiring immediate remediation through the installation of iOS 7.1.2 or later updates that properly address the telephony state management issue.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of the official iOS 7.1.2 update, which contains the necessary patches to resolve the telephony state management flaw. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as enabling automatic lock screen timeouts, using strong passcodes, and educating users about the risks associated with leaving devices unattended in public spaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper state management in security-critical systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar lock screen bypass vulnerabilities, particularly in systems where physical proximity attacks may be feasible.