JailbreakNation discovered a vulnerability in iOS 6.1 iPhones that could allow anyone to access the contacts list and photo gallery. Unauthorized individuals would also be able to make calls, create a contact, send texts and e-mails by following the steps. The process requires somewhat quick reactions and it's a hassle even after you've managed to get inside, but it also could be a fun experiment for those who like to tinker with their phones.
The steps are outlined here (or you can scroll down), although the phone will lock again if you press the Home button. If you try this, you will have to hold down the sleep button continuously while snooping, so it probably isn't really worth the trouble beyond retrieving phone numbers or shooting off texts for when you forget your passcode. Functionality would be limited, you won't be able to use the phone properly and there won't be a whole lot of merit to accessing someone's contacts list unless they happen to be famous.
To give it a try (this only works on iPhones), start by locking your device, then slide to unlock. The passcode screen should pop up.
When it does, tap the "Emergency Call" button. Hold down the sleep button until the power down slider appears. Click cancel, and the status bar will turn blue, at which point you call 911 or your emergency number. Make sure you cancel the call before it goes through.
Use the sleep button to lock your phone again, then use the Home button to turn it back on. Slide to unlock, then hold down the sleep button — in three seconds, tap emergency call again, which will trigger a glitch and cause the phone to open. Happy snooping!
So far, this is the third major bug discovered in iOS 6.1, including one involving a problem with excessive logging on Exchange that Apple is working with Microsoft to fix, and another issue with connectivity on the iPhone 4S that Apple patched with the release of iOS 6.1.1.
