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.
Not impressive...
07/09, 02:19pm reply
This is a little less than impressive, considering that one has to to disassemble and rewire their iPhone in order to "hack" it.
nhmlco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2007
re: not impressive
07/09, 02:45pm reply
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.
PBG4 User
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
One step forward
07/09, 03:01pm reply
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.
mitchcohen
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2005
OpenFirmware
07/09, 04:09pm reply
So, the iPhone runs openfirmware?
that would be coolz.
OtisWild
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
re: re: not impressive...
07/09, 05:08pm reply
[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_
UberFu
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2002
Hacking....
07/09, 09:42pm reply
I can hack any ATM with a sledge hammer...or a chain and a pickup truck....
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
One step backwards...
07/09, 10:47pm reply
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
McDave
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2006
wow I am amazed
07/10, 01:00am reply
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 ?
dsteinman
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2004