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Yet another flaw in iOS 7.1 lets anyone bypass lock screen security

Published Jun 9th, 2014 2:04PM EDT
iPhone Security Flaw

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We have seen several security flaws discovered in iOS in the past that let people bypass a user’s lock screen by using a convoluted sequence of taps and swipes. The good news is by the time enough people learn about these vulnerabilities for them to pose a serious threat, they’re often already addressed in an update from Apple. Since so many people update to the latest versions of Apple’s iOS software so quickly, threats are often minimized.

The bad news, however, is that each time one hole is plugged, a new one is discovered.

YouTube user EverythingApplePro on Monday posted a video that outlines a new security flaw in the latest versions of iOS 7.1 and iOS 7. Using a series of actions in certain circumstances, anyone can gain access to an application that was left open at the time an iPhone was locked.

The flaw bypasses the device’s Touch ID, PIN or passcode security completely. In order for the trick to work, the phone must have a missed call in Notification Center. If there is a missed call, a person need only wake the device, pull up the Control Center and enable airplane mode, then pull down the Notification Center and tap the missed call.

Provided an app was left open before the phone was locked, this trick with bypass security complete and reopen that app.

Depending on the app that was left open, this is a potentially serious security flaw that could easily compromise a user’s privacy and leave his or her data at risk.

A video showing how the trick works follows below.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.