iOS 6.1 bug lets anyone bypass iPhone lock screen
Summary: A bug in iOS 6.1 allows anyone to unlock a device and access data stored on the device without knowing the passcode.
A security problem with iOS 6.1 could potentially allow anyone to bypass the lock screen on a device running the OS and access the data on the phone.
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The issue allows anyone who knows the trick to unlock a phone and access call logs, contacts, favourite contacts, make calls and even access photos on the device by trying to add a photo to a contact.
The issue was uncovered by YouTube user videosdebarraquito and involves quickly making and cancelling an emergency call and holding down the power button.
The iOS 6.1 operating system has suffered a number of bugs including excessive logging issues when connected to an Exchange server. It also had issues with 3G that lead UK network operator Vodafone to advise its customers not to update their handsets until the problem had been rectified.
A subsequent update to iOS 6.1.1 led Vodafone to tell customers to go ahead and update. It's also not the first time that an Apple update has left handsets vulnerable — iOS 4.1 had a very similar issue that let anyone bypass the lock screen.
Apple had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.
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Talkback
It wouldn't be a security flaw...
Careful making such statements.
The Apple fanbois jumped all over another ZDNet blogger for making such a statement which turned out to be in error. Don't want anyone to besmirch poor widdle Apple.
Funny how the Apple haters
Errrrrrr pot and kettle
Yes I know, same as me but I'm pointing out your contradiction, which, judging by comments, is based on emotion rather than reason. Well done, you proved the isheep theory. By being completely and utterly wrong.
I read the steps needed to bypass the lock screen on another web site
Of course, to be fair, if any of those persons had access to a computer and new about this bug, than a quick internet search might reveal the proper technique to unlock an iPhone running iOS 6.1
However, until a fix for this bug is available for installation, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
This never seemed to be acceptable to Windows bugs.
No matter how small the risk on Windows it was always a big deal. But when it comes to Apple? It's a non-issue.
On the contrary
Of course they used it.
Not apologizing for anyone or accusing anyone of hypocrisy.
If you feel other persons have unfairly bashed your platform of choice in the past, well, post what you have to post. But those accusations won't apply to me.
Kind of like you are
I agree with you.
1. Lock device
2. Slide to unlock
3. Tap emergency call
4. Hold sleep button until the power down prompt shows. Click cancel, you will notice the status bar turn blue. Type in 211 or your emergency number and click call then cancel it asap so the call dosen’t go through.
5. Lock your device with the sleep button then turn it on using the home button.
6. Slide to unlock then hold the sleep button and in 3 seconds tap emergency call. This will spazz out the phone and cause it to open.
All I can say to this is one big OMG! Based on the coverage ZDNet, CNet, TheVerge have given this, one would think that some form of Stuxnet was released and that all Nuclear power plant around the world were about to explode.
To me at least, this is a non-issue.
No different than my colleaugue's Motorola Razr HD that I can unlock by presenting it a photo of him.
Was meant as a reply to Kenosha's post
Both big flaws though?
I agree it's a on a par with the facial recognition problems which is why I won't use it and go for the ultra secure pattern unlock. Allegedly it can defeat the FBI so it should stop my numnut mates.
Stretching a little?
That's a good % of the world population these days :)