Apple Bug Bounty Writeup: iOS Lock Screen Bypass

Apple Bug Bounty Writeup: iOS Lock Screen Bypass

Introduction

In this writeup, we will detail the process of discovering and reporting a lock screen bypass vulnerability in iOS, which allowed an attacker to gain access to the device's data without entering the passcode. This vulnerability was discovered and reported as part of the Apple bug bounty program.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability was discovered in iOS version 11.2.6 and was caused by a flaw in the way iOS handles notifications on the lock screen. By using Siri to send a message to the device, an attacker could trigger a notification that would allow them to view and reply to the message without unlocking the device.

Once the attacker had replied to the message, they could access the device's contacts, photos, and other data without entering the passcode. This vulnerability could be exploited even if the device had the "Show Previews" setting set to "When Unlocked."

Exploitation Steps

To exploit the vulnerability, the following steps were taken:

Activate Siri on the lock screen by pressing and holding the home button or using the "Hey Siri" feature.

Use Siri to send a message to the device, such as "Hey Siri, send a message to John Doe saying hello."

When the notification for the message appears on the lock screen, swipe left to reveal the "View" and "Reply" options.

Tap "Reply" to open the message and access the device's data.

Impact and Mitigation

The impact of this vulnerability was significant, as it allowed an attacker to gain access to the device's data without entering the passcode. This could be particularly dangerous if the device contained sensitive or confidential information.

The vulnerability was reported to Apple as part of the bug bounty program and was subsequently patched in iOS version 11.3.1. To mitigate this vulnerability, users should update their devices to the latest version of iOS and ensure that Siri is not accessible from the lock screen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the discovery and reporting of this lock screen bypass vulnerability highlights the importance of robust security testing processes and the need for continuous improvement in software security. By participating in the Apple bug bounty program, security researchers can help to improve the security of Apple's products and raise awareness about the importance of software security.

If you want to read more about Apple bug bounty writeups, you can check out Medium, where many security researchers share their findings and experiences.

Bagikan Artikel ini