CVE-2016-7664 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.2 is affected. The issue involves the "Accessibility" component. which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive photo and contact information by leveraging the availability of excessive options during lockscreen access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7664 represents a significant security flaw within Apple's iOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.2. This issue resides within the accessibility component of the system and demonstrates how seemingly minor design decisions can create substantial privacy risks. The flaw specifically exploits the lock screen interface where accessibility options are made available to users, creating an unintended attack surface that can be exploited by individuals in physical proximity to a device. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient access control as defined by CWE-284, where proper authorization mechanisms fail to restrict access to sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the accessibility features that remain accessible even when a device is locked. Attackers can leverage the multiple accessibility options presented at the lock screen to navigate through the device interface and access sensitive data including photos and contact information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only physical proximity to the device, eliminating the need for sophisticated technical skills or network-based attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 which describes the exploitation of accessibility features for privilege escalation and data access. The vulnerability essentially bypasses the intended security model of the lock screen by providing excessive functionality that should be restricted during device lockdown.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential identity theft, financial fraud, and corporate espionage. When an attacker gains access to contact information, they can potentially use this data for social engineering attacks, phishing campaigns, or to build comprehensive profiles for further exploitation. Photo access can reveal sensitive personal information, location data, or confidential business documents. The proximity requirement makes this attack particularly dangerous in environments where devices are left unattended, such as offices, public spaces, or transportation areas. Organizations with mobile workforce policies or those handling sensitive data must consider this vulnerability as a critical risk factor in their overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7664 primarily involve upgrading to iOS version 10.2 or later where Apple has addressed the accessibility component issues. Users should also implement additional security measures including enabling strong passcode protection, configuring automatic lock timeouts, and disabling unnecessary accessibility features when not actively needed. Security administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify devices running vulnerable iOS versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The fix implemented by Apple likely involved restricting access to accessibility options during lock screen states and ensuring that these features are properly authenticated before granting access to sensitive system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce automatic updates and restrict access to potentially vulnerable features. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of considering all interface elements, particularly those designed for accessibility, as potential attack vectors in security architecture design.