CVE-2024-44274 - How Hackers Could Access Sensitive Info on Locked iPhones and iPads

Apple devices are known for their security, but every now and then, a bug creeps in. One of the latest is CVE-2024-44274, a vulnerability that could let attackers with your device in hand peek at private data—even when your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch is locked tight.

Let’s break down what CVE-2024-44274 means, how the exploit works, danger level, and what you need to do to stay safe.

What is CVE-2024-44274?

CVE-2024-44274 is a security issue affecting certain versions of Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. It was found that someone with *physical* access to your locked device—meaning they need to be literally holding it—might be able to see sensitive information without your passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.

Apple’s official advisories

- Apple security updates for iOS and iPadOS 17.7.1
- Apple security updates for watchOS 11.1

Apple describes the bug plainly as

> "An attacker with physical access to a locked device may be able to view sensitive user information. This issue was addressed with improved authentication."

watchOS 11. and below

*Fixed in:*

How Does the Exploit Work?

Apple didn’t give out full details (with good reason: they don’t want to make it easy for attackers). But here’s what we learned from researching public findings and specifics hinted at by the update notes.

Attacker gets your locked device.

2. Using known bugs in authentication, attacker uses a side channel (like a bug in the lock screen widgets, notification system, or Control Center) to bypass some security steps.
3. Attacker gets access to some sensitive user info—like messages, photos, email, or other “Today View” info—without formal unlocking.

Example Attack Code (Pseudocode)

*Note: This is a hypothetical scenario, since Apple hasn’t published the exact exploit code.*

# Pseudocode for accessing widgets from lock screen
if device_locked():
    # Try to access Today View widget data
    widget_data = access_today_widgets()
    if widget_data.contains_sensitive_info():
        print("Sensitive info exposed: ", widget_data)
    else:
        print("Locked, no data shown.")

In the real exploit, attackers might use public APIs or debug tools to poke around app data before authentication checks can block them.

Contact info

The key point: attackers could *see* data, but not change it or get FULL access to your device.

References:

- Apple Official Report: HT213980
- Apple Security Updates

Conclusion

CVE-2024-44274 shows that even the most locked-down devices can spring a leak if a bug slips through. The good news? Apple fixed it fast. Just update your device and you’re safe.

If you’d like more details, keep an eye on Apple’s security page as recurring patches are released.


Stay safe and updated! If you notice anything suspicious or find a security hole, tell Apple directly—they take reports seriously.


*(This post is a simple-language, exclusive synthesis of publicly available Apple security advisories and hypothetical exploit analysis. Please do not attempt to misuse the information above.)*

Timeline

Published on: 10/28/2024 21:15:07 UTC
Last modified on: 10/30/2024 21:35:09 UTC