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iOS 4.1 Security Issue - Bypassing the Lock Screen to Make Calls

J

jordand321

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 3, 2008
72
0
New Zealand
I think I just found a security flaw in ios 4.1.

When you iPhone is locked with a passcode tap Emergency Call, then enter a non-emergency number such as ###. Next tap the call button and immediately hit the lock button. It should open up the Phone app where you can see all your contacts, call any number, etc.

My iPhone is jailbroken so that could be causing it. Can anyone confirm that it works on non-jailbroken iPhones?
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2010/10/26/ios-4-1-bug-allows-access-to-iphone-contacts-and-voicemails-despite-passcode-protection/
yep, flawed here, i4 with 4.0.1.. congratulations sir!

how in the heck did you find such a random combination of actions to test out? wow
 
So now that the flaw is public, I believe it goes without asking that you have reported it to Apple?
;)
 
holy crap.

awesome find. not that it matters to me personally... i never lock my phone.
 
iluvifone said:
yep, flawed here, i4 with 4.0.1.. congratulations sir!

how in the heck did you find such a random combination of actions to test out? wow
Click to expand...

i gotta assume he was bored and was trying to do it. kinda random to happen by coincidence.
 
Kristijan said:
Works for me on my non-jb iPhone 4 running 4.1
Requires a reboot after though.

-Kristijan
Click to expand...

it doesnt.

while in contacts, tap on a contact, make the phone call and hit 'end'. then the phone will go back to the lockscreen asking for a pw.
 
Works on mine running 4.1, (not jailbroken). If I proceed with making a call, I also get 3 beeps before the call connects that I do not get if I go through the proper procedure of unlocking the phone.
 
Can anyone recommend any ways to get-around this security flaw until apple fixes it? such as addon's or something via cydia that will make you draw a pattern instead of inputting a number or w/e.. thanks!
 
iluvifone said:
Can anyone recommend any ways to get-around this security flaw until apple fixes it? such as addon's or something via cydia that will make you draw a pattern instead of inputting a number or w/e.. thanks!
Click to expand...

Chances are, whoever finds your phone won't be some iPhone expert. It's not that big of a deal. Though, you deserve it if you're careless enough to leave such an expensive piece of technology laying around. Either way, look for AndroidLock in Cydia.
 
iluvifone said:
Can anyone recommend any ways to get-around this security flaw until apple fixes it? such as addon's or something via cydia that will make you draw a pattern instead of inputting a number or w/e.. thanks!
Click to expand...

Using a security flaw to get around a security flaw? Ironic, much?
 
jayducharme said:
Weird. I can't make mine do it. Every time I hit the lock button, the phone just shuts off.
Click to expand...

Same here.

EDIT: just tried again and it worked this time... interesting flaw. I dont really care who sees my contacts tbh though.
EDIT 2: You have to pretty much press the call button and the lock button at the same time. And come to think of it, this leaves the phone open to be used to call other people...
 
I think this is quite useful for lost iPhones. If you needed to email the owner or dial the owner's mom/dad/wife, you could easily do so. :D
 
This is a good find so congrats to the OP.
I can confirm that it works as described, I'm jailbroken on 4.1 iPhone 4.

One thing I did notice being jailbroken is that after you enter the contacts screen, I can make SBSettings appear. I have it disabled on the lockscreen but obviously enabled in apps. You could possibly access apps through SBSettings from the dock. You could disable wifi/phone to stop a remote wipe through MobileMe.

Just considering worst case scenario, never assume stupidity, ignorance or non-malicious intent.
 
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