CVE-2024-40813 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
A lock screen issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6. 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 • 04/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical lock screen security flaw that emerged in iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.6, affecting users who were physically present with the device. The issue stemmed from inadequate state management within the device's lock screen implementation, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability specifically exploited the interaction between the lock screen interface and Siri functionality, allowing an attacker with physical possession of the device to potentially bypass authentication mechanisms through voice commands.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of application states during lock screen transitions, where the system failed to adequately secure the interface when the device was locked. This state management deficiency created an unintended access vector through Siri's voice recognition system, which could be triggered even when the device appeared to be securely locked. The vulnerability specifically impacted the device's ability to properly maintain its secure state during the transition from active use to locked status, allowing unauthorized voice commands to be processed through the lock screen interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users who may be physically present with their devices, as it effectively undermines the fundamental security premise of a locked device. An attacker with physical access could potentially use Siri to perform actions that would normally be restricted while the device is locked, including accessing sensitive data, launching applications, or performing other functions that could compromise user privacy and security. This issue particularly affects users who leave their devices unlocked in public or shared spaces, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple voice commands without requiring additional authentication factors.
The fix implemented in iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 addresses this vulnerability through enhanced state management protocols that properly secure the lock screen interface and prevent unauthorized access through voice commands. This update ensures that Siri functionality is appropriately restricted when the device is locked, eliminating the unintended access path that existed in previous versions. The mitigation strategy focuses on strengthening the device's state transition handling to properly maintain security boundaries between locked and unlocked states, preventing unauthorized access through voice-based interfaces.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms within the device's lock screen implementation. The flaw demonstrates how state management failures can create security boundaries that are not properly enforced, allowing unauthorized access through legitimate device functionality. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1546.001 for bypassing security controls through legitimate system tools, as it exploits the intended functionality of Siri to gain unauthorized access to protected data.
The security implications extend beyond simple data access, as this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to perform actions that might lead to further exploitation or data exfiltration. Users should be particularly cautious in environments where physical access to devices cannot be guaranteed, as the vulnerability does not require network connectivity or specialized tools to exploit. The fix represents a critical security enhancement that restores the expected security boundaries of the device's lock screen functionality, ensuring that physical access alone cannot be sufficient to bypass authentication mechanisms through voice-based interfaces.