Apple iPhone Exploit Allows Users To ‘Jailbreak’ Devices

Apple is facing a jailbreak vulnerability for all its devices that run the latest iOS operating system, namely iOS 13.5.

The flaw is first to work on fully-updated devices for four years and could be used maliciously, the researchers have warned.

Apple dictates which apps can run on its devices and likes its operating systems to go un-manipulated whilst remaining in full control. Jailbreaking is the process by which the system and user interface are opened up to user changes. Particularly alluring, jailbreaking enables Apple devices to copy files without accepting iTunes end-user agreement for example.

Jailbreak flaw

Pwn20wnd discovered the underlying vulnerability powering the new jailbreak, but didn’t go into any specific details about the flaw.

However, Pwn20wnd told Vice that Apple’s iOS has become a ‘big target for attackers’, and the constant adding of new features creates new attack surfaces.

The researchers insisted that security mechanisms are intact, but warned that it will likely take Apple “least two or three weeks to release a patch.”

“iPhones are getting more secure every year because Apple is learning their mistakes from public jailbreaks or attacks they find in the wild,” Pwn20wnd told Motherboard in an online chat.

Pwn20wnd told Motherboard that iPhone case company Phone Rebel had bought advertising space inside the jailbreak application.

Apple did not reply to a request for comment, according to the Daily Mail.

Quiz: How well do you know Apple?

Tom Jowitt

Tom Jowitt is a leading British tech freelancer and long standing contributor to Silicon UK. He is also a bit of a Lord of the Rings nut...

Recent Posts

Apple, Google Mobile Ecosystems Should Be Investigated, CMA Told

CMA receives 'provisional recommendation' from independent inquiry that Apple,Google mobile ecosystem needs investigation

2 days ago

Australia Rejects Elon Musk Claim About Social Media Ban For Under-16s

Government minister flatly rejects Elon Musk's “unsurprising” allegation that Australian government seeks control of Internet…

2 days ago

Northvolt Files For Bankruptcy Protection In US

Northvolt files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, and CEO and co-founder…

2 days ago

UK’s CMA Readies Cloud Sector “Behavioural” Remedies – Report

Targetting AWS, Microsoft? British competition regulator soon to announce “behavioural” remedies for cloud sector

3 days ago

Former Policy Boss At X, Nick Pickles, Joins Sam Altman Venture

Move to Elon Musk rival. Former senior executive at X joins Sam Altman's venture formerly…

3 days ago

Bitcoin Rises Above $96,000 Amid Trump Optimism

Bitcoin price rises towards $100,000, amid investor optimism of friendlier US regulatory landscape under Donald…

3 days ago