passcode_lock_keypadA second iOS 6.1 bug has been discovered that gives access to contacts, photos and more. The vulnerability uses a similar method as the one disclosed previously, though it apparently gives access to more user data when the phone is plugged into a computer.

It was originally posted on the Full Disclosure mailing list. Kaspersky's Threatpost:

Similar to the iPhone's passcode vulnerability, the exploit involves manipulating the phone’s screenshot function, its emergency call function and its power button. Users can make an emergency call (911 for example) on the phone and then cancel it while toggling the power on and off to get temporary access to the phone. A video posted by the group shows a user flipping through the phone’s voicemail list and contacts list while holding down the power button. From there an attacker could get the phone’s screen to turn black before it can be connected to a computer via a USB cord. The device’s photos, contacts and more “will be available directly from the device hard drive without the pin to access,” according to the advisory.


Apple was expected to fix the lock screen bug in iOS 6.1.2, but that small release fixed a different bug. Instead, it appears a fix for at least one of the lock screen vulnerabilities will be coming in iOS 6.1.3, currently in the hands of developers.

Update: As noted by iMore and The Next Web, this vulnerability will only allow file access if the device has previously been synced with the computer without a passcode. Plugging the passcode-protected device, even with the bug exploited, into a different computer will simply generate an error message.

Top Rated Comments

eatrains Avatar
161 months ago
Apple priorities - stop innovation from jailbreak community then fix security issues :(

The exploits used by jailbreakers ARE security issues.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
161 months ago
I like how there's a small chance that the exploiter will call the police on themselves.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lunaoso Avatar
161 months ago
I really want to know how people just happen to stumble upon this stuff. It seems almost rediculous when you think about it.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NT1440 Avatar
161 months ago


As for using Find my iPhone, we all know that is so easy to defeat, it isn't hard to defeat it and you are still giving hackers enough time to get your device, hack into and get your data.

The point is, Apple needs to step up and close these security holes. There is no defending Apple on this; regardless if other devices have security holes or not, we OWN Apple Devices, I could give a rats tail how easy it is to root an SIII when someone gets my iPhone.

I can tell from the underlined that you don't actually understand software development. Hackers? Really?

Find me one OS on the planet that doesn't have a security hole somewhere in it. This is a game of patch a hole, find 2 others. Software is not a cut and dry field.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dweezle3 Avatar
161 months ago
These guys really have way too much time on their hands...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bathplug Avatar
161 months ago
iOS 6 is such a s*** update.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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