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Hackers gain iPhone shell access

updated 02:05 pm EDT, Mon July 9, 2007

iPhone shell access


Several hackers claim to have successfully accessed a full interactive shell on Apple's iPhone, which could enable technically-oriented users to make modifications or changes to the software installed on the phone beyond Apple's Web-based development movement. Hackers collaborating over Internet Relay Chat (IRC) appear to have brought up a serial console for the iPhone using the same pinouts as Apple's iPod serial connection. Those involved suggest using a resistor rated at around 6.8k from pin 21 to ground, then instruct users to tie pin 11 (serial ground) to the real ground. Following those changes interested users may send the following commands in recovery mode: 'setenv debug-uarts 1,' 'saveenv,' and 'reboot.' The hackers note however that users attempting to bring up a serial console need a level converter, such as the Max 232.


by MacNN Staff

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  1. nhmlco

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Mar 2007

    0
    07/09, 02:19pm | report spam | Reply |

    Not impressive...

    This is a little less than impressive, considering that one has to to disassemble and rewire their iPhone in order to "hack" it.

  1. PBG4 User

    Senior User

    Joined: Feb 2001

    0
    07/09, 02:45pm | report spam | Reply |

    re: not impressive

    You don't disassemble the iPhone, you add the resistor to an iPhone dock, or the cord leading up to the iPhone dock.

    BTW, this is old news.

  1. mitchcohen

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2005

    0
    07/09, 03:01pm | report spam | Reply |

    One step forward

    This is one step forward in figuring out how the iPhone ticks on the inside - then allowing users to be able to add/change apps. Apple should be allowing, even encouraging this.

    The question is whether the hackers will figure everything out before Apple allows the developers in. The headline will either be "Hackers break the iPhone" - or - "Apple releases iPhone SDK." I'd prefer the latter.

  1. OtisWild

    Junior Member

    Joined: Feb 2005

    0
    07/09, 04:09pm | report spam | Reply |

    OpenFirmware

    So, the iPhone runs openfirmware?

    that would be coolz.

  1. UberFu

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Oct 2002

    0
    07/09, 05:08pm | report spam | Reply |

    re: re: not impressive...

    [pbg4 user] "BTW, this is old news."

    Yes - MacNN is renowned for being the Kings of Old News_

    Anyway - about the "hack" - baby steps_ And this isn't something for those who know barely how to turn gear on and need their hands held reading eMail_

    And [like me] not for those of us that merely know a little something about code breaking_

    Hardwiring involved_ But the point it that progress is being made on opening up the OS X on the iPhone_ And yes I will have to wait until it can be done merely using software and some source files or a DMG - 'cause I'd love to get Photoshop - Final Cut and Maya running on mine_

  1. Guest

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 1999

    0
    07/09, 09:42pm | report spam | Reply |

    Hacking....

    I can hack any ATM with a sledge hammer...or a chain and a pickup truck....

  1. McDave

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2006

    0
    07/09, 10:47pm | report spam | Reply |

    One step backwards...

    why do I get the feeling that techs who hack systems aren't capable of putting useful apps together?

    The AppleTV mods were sooooo useful!

    McD

  1. dsteinman

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2004

    0
    07/10, 01:00am | report spam | Reply |

    wow I am amazed

    That there are those that have so much time on their hands to accomplish so little.. Who wants to bet the next software release kills this ?

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