CVE-2023-41997 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
This issue was addressed by restricting options offered on a locked device. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.1, watchOS 10.1, iOS 16.7.2 and iPadOS 16.7.2, iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1. An attacker with physical access may be able to use Siri to access sensitive user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2023
This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in Apple's mobile operating systems that allows unauthorized access to sensitive user data through the voice assistant interface. The issue stems from insufficient restrictions on device functionality when a device is locked, creating a potential attack vector for adversaries who possess physical access to the target device. The vulnerability specifically affects the interaction between the lock screen and Siri functionality, enabling malicious actors to bypass normal authentication mechanisms through voice commands. This represents a critical weakness in the device's security model where the assumption of physical possession does not adequately protect against data exposure through alternative access methods.
The technical implementation of this flaw lies in the insufficient validation of user context when processing voice commands through Siri on locked devices. When a device is secured with a lock screen, the normal authentication requirements should prevent access to sensitive data and functions. However, this vulnerability allows Siri to process commands that would normally be restricted, potentially enabling access to contacts, messages, emails, and other personal information. The flaw operates at the interface layer where the operating system fails to properly validate whether the user context is appropriate for executing certain commands, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access through voice interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security assumptions that users rely upon when their devices are locked. Attackers with physical access can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information without needing to bypass traditional lock screen security measures such as passcodes or biometric authentication. This creates a scenario where even devices with strong physical security measures can be compromised through voice-based attacks, potentially exposing personal communications, financial data, and other confidential information. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, indicating a systemic issue in the operating system's approach to secure voice interactions.
The mitigation for this vulnerability required Apple to implement additional restrictions on voice command processing when devices are locked, specifically limiting Siri's access to sensitive functions and data. The fix addresses the core issue by ensuring that voice interactions are properly contextualized and validated against the device's security state. This aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE database under weakness category 668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" where system resources are improperly exposed to unauthorized users. The solution also reflects principles from the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1557, which covers "Adversarial Authentication" and emphasizes the importance of protecting authentication mechanisms from bypass attempts. Organizations should ensure their devices are updated to the patched versions including macOS Sonoma 14.1, watchOS 10.1, and iOS 16.7.2 and iPadOS 16.7.2, iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.