CVE-2024-27835 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
This issue was addressed through improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5. An attacker with physical access to an iOS device may be able to access notes from the lock screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in apple's ios operating system that undermines the fundamental security model designed to protect user data when devices are locked. The issue stems from inadequate state management within the notes application, which fails to properly enforce access controls when the device screen is locked. The vulnerability specifically affects ios 17.4 and earlier versions, where the system does not adequately separate the user interface states between unlocked and locked conditions, creating an exploitable gap in the security architecture.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the application state transition handling mechanism within the notes app. When a device is locked, the system should transition to a secure state that prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data, including notes stored on the device. However, the improper state management allows an attacker with physical access to manipulate the application's behavior, potentially bypassing the lock screen protection mechanisms. This issue falls under the category of improper access control as defined by cwe-284, where insufficient controls allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability demonstrates a weakness in the operating system's privilege separation and session management capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it can be exploited by an attacker with physical access to the device, which represents a common attack vector in real-world scenarios. Physical access attacks are often difficult to prevent or detect, as they do not require network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques. An attacker can simply unlock the device and navigate to the notes application while the device is still in a transitional state, potentially accessing sensitive information stored in notes. This type of attack aligns with tactics described in the attack pattern taxonomy where adversaries leverage physical access to compromise system security. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows access to private data through the legitimate user interface paths.
The fix implemented by apple in ios 17.5 and ipados 17.5 addresses this issue through enhanced state management protocols that properly enforce access controls during device lock transitions. The solution involves strengthening the application state machine to ensure that when the device enters a locked state, all sensitive applications and data become inaccessible until proper authentication occurs. This remediation aligns with security best practices for mobile device management and follows the principle of least privilege. Organizations should prioritize updating to these versions immediately to protect against potential exploitation, as the vulnerability represents a clear threat to user privacy and data confidentiality. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper session management and state transition handling in mobile operating systems, particularly in applications that handle sensitive user data such as notes and personal information.