With the checkra1n iPhone jailbreak now available, security experts are urging mobile-device managers to keep on their toes as the powerful new tool becomes available to hackers and iPhone users who may recklessly use it.
Jailbreaking is the process of hacking these devices to bypass DRM restrictions, allowing users to run unauthorized and custom software, and to make other tweaks to iOS.
The security concerns around Checkra1n are multifaceted. One risk factor is users jailbreaking their own iOS devices, making them susceptible to rogue or unstable apps downloaded from outside of Apple’s curated App Store.
For a minority of high-value targets, the concern is that if the target lost temporarily physical control of their phone, an adversary could jailbreak their iPhone and plant malicious software onto the handset.
“Checkra1n is unprecedented in potential impact, with millions of devices at risk as a result of the extensive device and iOS targets,” warned Christopher Cinnamo, senior vice president of product management at Zimperium, in a
company blog post.
In this context, a jailbreak is a method to escape Apple’s limitations on what apps and code can run on the iPhone. Jailbreaks are useful for those wanting to install custom code, add features or perform security research outside the purview of the Apple ecosystem.
