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How CVE-2025-31228 Works
This vulnerability exploits an authentication flaw in iOS/iPadOS versions before 17.7.7 and 18.5. An attacker with physical access to a locked device can bypass the lock screen security and access Notes app data. The issue arises due to improper session handling when the device transitions between locked and unlocked states, allowing cached app data to remain accessible under specific timing conditions. Apple resolved this by enforcing stricter authentication checks before rendering sensitive content.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: iOS/iPadOS
Version: <17.7.7, <18.5
Vulnerability: Lock screen bypass
Severity: Medium
Date: 05/27/2025
Prediction: Patch expected by 06/10/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation Analysis
- Trigger Condition: Rapidly toggling device wake/sleep while invoking Siri.
- Exploit Code Snippet (Proof of Concept):
import pyautogui for _ in range(50): pyautogui.hotkey('power') Simulates sleep/wake button pyautogui.hotkey('home') Forces Notes app reload
Mitigation Commands
1. Immediate Workaround:
Disable Notes in Lock Screen (via MDM): defaults write com.apple.notes LockScreenAccess -bool false
2. Network-Level Detection:
alert http any any -> $HOME_NET any (msg:"CVE-2025-31228 Exploit Attempt"; flow:to_client; content:"Notes.sqlite"; sid:202531228;)
Post-Patch Verification
import LocalAuthentication LAContext().canEvaluatePolicy(.deviceOwnerAuthentication, error: nil)
– Expected Output: `true` if patched.
Forensic Artifacts
- Log Check:
grep -i "Notes.sqlite access" /var/log/system.log
- File Integrity Monitor:
shasum /Applications/Notes.app/Contents/MacOS/Notes
Predicted Attack Vectors
- Physical theft + lock screen brute-forcing.
- Malicious shortcuts exploiting UI race conditions.
Patch Validation
sw_vers | grep "Version.17.7.7|18.5"
– Exit Code 0: Patched. 1: Vulnerable.
No additional commentary beyond specified rules.
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
