iPhone Passcode: Emergency Calls

**chetiboy** · 09-23-2008, 03:57 PM

Turns out there's another iphone passcode lock bug (or is it a feature really?)

http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008...ug-or-feature/

One reader tipped us off that the iPhone's emergency call feature can be used to call any phone number and not just designated "emergency" numbers such as 911.

The emergency call feature is available even when your iPhone is passcode locked, and raised this reader's concern that your mobile minutes could be used without your knowledge.

In searching the internet, it appears that this issue has been around since at least firmware 2.0.2, though there appears to be some debate about whether or not it is an intentional feature.

If your iPhone is actually stolen, you will presumably discontinue service and that would prevent ongoing usage of your minutes. But it still leaves opens up the possibility of intermittent unauthorized usage.

and at modmyi.com

Remember the major security threat introduced with 2.0.2 which allowed anyone to access all the major phone application even if you had a passcode?

Apple said that they fixed it. But, actually it is not completely fixed. Another major bug still exists. The Emergency Call mode in passcode screen which is just meant to call emergency numbers like 911 can actually be used to call any number!

This is a big flaw as anyone can make a call and make you pay a big bill if somehow he/ she gets the phone! This means that iPhone Passcode is a big failure as anyone can access the main feature of iPhone really easily even if you think you have secured it.

You can reproduce the bug as follows:
Set a passcode lock.
Lock the phone and slide to unlock.
Click on the Emergency call button and dial any number of your choice.

careful careful

**Sponsor** · 09-23-2008 03:57 PM

**LeoMarley** · 09-23-2008, 04:10 PM

just tried it and you can indeed make any call you want even with a passcode activated.

**chetiboy** · 09-23-2008, 04:18 PM

diba? yikes. funny though, I never tried it with my Nokias / Motorolas. Ganun din ba ung behavior ng ibang phones other than the iPhone? I've never really been a passcode lock user, even before having an iphone. should try later on my old phones when i get home from work...

**docnap** · 09-23-2008, 04:44 PM

Apple has to address this with an update, especially now that we have this thread...Ha ha ha

**dozen** · 09-24-2008, 09:59 AM

wahh... i tried it it really could call any number.. am on FW 2.1.. tsk tsk..

**viral_variance** · 09-24-2008, 10:30 AM

i don't really think its a bug, well at least for me.

and its really very easy to get pass the passcode lock. just plug your iPhone into iTunes and restore.

**theelhombre** · 09-24-2008, 10:48 AM

just tried this with my 1.1.4- and yes, the bug was also there!

what i did was used a passcode; when i slid open the unit, instead of punching the passcode, i pressed emergency call- and called my house!

Apple needs to re-define what passcode means!

**viral_variance** · 09-24-2008, 12:23 PM

well if you'll think about it, the label says "Emergency Calls"

its the "Emergency Call" that we have to define

again, this is a non-issue for me.

**theelhombre** · 09-24-2008, 12:55 PM

non-issue for you perhaps, but for some of us, it is. So lucky you.

in fact, even Apple has recognized this 'bug'.

**carlo0514** · 09-24-2008, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by viral_variance

well if you'll think about it, the label says "Emergency Calls"

its the "Emergency Call" that we have to define

again, this is a non-issue for me.

I agree. Emergency call for me can be calling my mom or dad.

I think passcode is not really about unauthorized usage of your minutes but guarding the content of your phone.

For me, it is a non-issue too. But I do hope Apple will come up with something for people having issues with it.