CVE-2017-2351 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.2.1 is affected. The issue involves the "WiFi" component, which allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the activation-lock protection mechanism and view the home screen via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2022
This vulnerability resides within Apple's iOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.2.1 and specifically targets the WiFi component of the device. The security flaw represents a critical weakness in the device's activation lock protection mechanism, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access to iOS devices when they are locked. The vulnerability allows attackers who are physically present near the target device to bypass the activation lock and gain access to the home screen interface. This represents a significant compromise of device security as the activation lock is a fundamental security feature intended to protect user data and prevent unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices. The unspecified vectors through which this attack occurs suggest a sophisticated exploitation method that leverages the WiFi subsystem to circumvent the normal authentication processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms in software systems. This classification indicates that the flaw stems from inadequate privilege management or access control implementation within the iOS WiFi component. The vulnerability demonstrates how wireless communication protocols can be exploited to undermine device security controls, particularly when these protocols are not properly isolated from the core security mechanisms. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for users who may have their devices compromised while in physical proximity to an attacker, potentially leading to unauthorized access to personal information, applications, and device functionality. The attack vector suggests that the exploit requires physical access to the device, making it particularly concerning for users who may be targeted in public spaces or have their devices left unattended.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it undermines the fundamental security model that Apple implements to protect user privacy and device integrity. Attackers can potentially access sensitive data, install malicious applications, or perform other unauthorized actions on the device without proper authentication. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how a flaw in one component can compromise the entire security architecture. The fact that this affects iOS versions before 10.2.1 indicates that Apple had identified and addressed the issue in subsequent releases, but users who remained on vulnerable versions were at risk. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1077 which describes the use of valid accounts or access to systems to maintain persistence or gain unauthorized access, though in this case the attack bypasses the account validation entirely.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate adoption of iOS 10.2.1 or later versions where Apple has implemented patches to address the WiFi component flaw. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest available iOS version to protect against this specific vulnerability. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any devices running vulnerable iOS versions and implement mandatory update policies. Network administrators should monitor for any suspicious WiFi activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their devices updated and should avoid leaving devices unattended in public spaces where physical access could be exploited. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how even seemingly isolated component flaws can create significant security risks when they interact with core device protection mechanisms.