CVE-2016-7765 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.2 is affected. The issue involves the "Clipboard" component, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information in the lockscreen state by viewing clipboard contents.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7765 represents a significant security flaw in Apple's iOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.2. This issue resides within the clipboard component of the mobile operating system, creating a critical exposure that allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the lockscreen state of iOS devices, where users typically expect their data to remain protected from unauthorized access. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly innocuous system components can create substantial security risks when not properly secured against physical proximity attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the clipboard functionality when the device is locked. Attackers with physical access to a locked iOS device can exploit this weakness to view clipboard contents that should normally be restricted to authorized users. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the operating system's security model to maintain proper access boundaries between different user states. The clipboard component fails to properly enforce authentication requirements or access controls when the device is in a locked state, allowing unauthorized viewing of potentially sensitive information that users may have copied to the clipboard.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe privacy and security implications for iOS users. The ability to access clipboard contents on a locked device means that attackers can potentially obtain passwords, personal information, financial data, or other sensitive content that users may have copied while using their devices. This threat vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical expertise or specialized tools to exploit, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security assumption that a locked device provides protection against unauthorized access to user data and system components.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure to represent a complete breakdown in the device's security architecture. This flaw allows attackers to bypass multiple security layers that should normally protect user data, including the lockscreen protection mechanism and the clipboard access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and demonstrates how inadequate privilege management can create significant security gaps. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact attack vector that can be executed without requiring network connectivity or specialized equipment, making it particularly concerning for users who may be physically approached by adversaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on updating to iOS version 10.2 or later, where Apple implemented proper access controls for clipboard functionality on locked devices. System administrators and users should prioritize immediate deployment of the security update to protect against exploitation. Additional protective measures include enabling strong passcode policies, configuring automatic lock timeouts, and implementing device management solutions that can enforce security policies. Organizations should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability when developing security policies for mobile device usage, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and updates to maintain protection against emerging threats. This case study serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing all system components, including those that may seem trivial or non-critical from a functional perspective.