Discover how CVE-2021-30815 in iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 15 enabled unauthorized access to contacts from the lock screen. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
A lock screen issue in iOS and iPadOS allowed unauthorized access to contacts on locked devices, potentially exposing sensitive information. The issue has been resolved with improved state management in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
Understanding CVE-2021-30815
This CVE record details a security vulnerability in Apple's iOS and iPadOS that could be exploited by a local attacker to view contacts from the lock screen.
What is CVE-2021-30815?
The vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 15 allowed unauthorized access to contacts from the lock screen, potentially compromising user privacy and sensitive contact information. Apple addressed this issue by enhancing the state management functionality in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
The Impact of CVE-2021-30815
The vulnerability posed a moderate risk as it could enable a local attacker to view contacts without the need for authentication. This could result in the exposure of personal and confidential contact details stored on the device.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-30815
The technical details of CVE-2021-30815 include:
Vulnerability Description
A lock screen issue in iOS and iPadOS versions earlier than 15 allowed unauthorized access to contacts, which has been mitigated through improved state management in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
Affected Systems and Versions
iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 15 are affected by this vulnerability, with the issue being addressed in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
Exploitation Mechanism
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the lock screen issue to access contacts without proper authorization, potentially leading to the exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-30815, consider the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their devices to iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 to prevent unauthorized access to contacts from the lock screen.
Long-Term Security Practices
Practice good device security habits such as setting strong passcodes, enabling biometric authentication, and avoiding leaving devices unattended.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for software updates and security patches from Apple to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.