CVE-2019-8775 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE
The issue was addressed by restricting options offered on a locked device. This issue is fixed in iOS 13.1 and iPadOS 13.1. A person with physical access to an iOS device may be able to access contacts from the lock screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-8775 represents a significant security flaw in Apple's iOS operating system that allowed unauthorized access to sensitive contact information through the lock screen interface. This issue specifically affected devices where a malicious actor with physical possession could bypass normal security restrictions to access personal contact data without proper authentication. The flaw existed in versions prior to iOS 13.1 and iPadOS 13.1, creating a window of opportunity for attackers who gained physical access to affected devices. The vulnerability directly impacts the fundamental security model of mobile devices, which relies on lock screen protections to prevent unauthorized access to personal data. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws that compromise the confidentiality of user data, making it a critical concern for privacy and security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and authentication mechanisms on the lock screen interface. When a device is locked, the operating system should enforce strict access restrictions to prevent unauthorized users from viewing or interacting with sensitive applications and data. However, in affected versions of iOS, the system failed to properly enforce these restrictions for contact applications, allowing a person with physical access to view contact information directly from the lock screen. This represents a failure in the device's security architecture and demonstrates how inadequate implementation of access controls can create exploitable conditions. The flaw likely involved the operating system's handling of application state transitions when a device locks and unlocks, where contact applications were not properly secured during these transitions. Such vulnerabilities are commonly categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8775 extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential privacy violations and identity theft risks. An attacker with physical access to an iOS device could harvest personal contact information including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and potentially other associated data that might be used for social engineering attacks or identity fraud. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no network connectivity or specialized tools beyond physical possession of the device, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors. This type of attack vector is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a form of credential access through physical access, where adversaries exploit device security weaknesses to gain unauthorized information access. The impact is compounded by the fact that contact information often serves as a gateway to additional personal data and can be used to target individuals with more sophisticated attacks. Organizations and individuals using affected devices faced significant risk of privacy breaches and potential security incidents that could have cascading effects on their digital security posture.
The fix implemented by Apple in iOS 13.1 and iPadOS 13.1 addressed the core access control issue by strengthening the lock screen security mechanisms and ensuring proper enforcement of application isolation when devices transition between locked and unlocked states. This update likely involved modifications to how the operating system manages application permissions and data access during screen lock transitions, implementing more robust authentication checks and access restriction enforcement. Security researchers and vulnerability analysts recommended immediate deployment of these updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The remediation approach aligns with industry best practices for addressing access control vulnerabilities and demonstrates the importance of regular security updates in maintaining device security. Organizations should ensure that all affected devices are updated promptly and implement additional security measures such as strong passcode policies, biometric authentication, and device encryption to further protect against similar vulnerabilities. The resolution of this vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining robust mobile security in increasingly complex operating system environments where multiple attack surfaces must be protected against unauthorized access.