Apple’s strange mistake led to a security breach in the previously repaired iOS operating system suddenly resuming – and the company had to release another update to block it again. This is a loophole that allows apps to gain access that shouldn’t have files and operating system settings. It was originally reported months ago and was fixed in version 12.3 of the operating system released in May, but for some reason update 12.4 released a month later included the exact same loophole.
On the negative side, this hacking may allow malicious apps to install without the user’s knowledge of malicious malware that will display unwanted advertisements, or pass on personal information about usage habits. On the bright side, this is also a loophole that can be exploited for Jailbreak, namely installing unofficial apps through the Appstore, and operating system changes that Apple doesn’t normally approve.
Either way, in version 12.4.1, which Apple distributed this week, the breach was fixed again. Apple even chose to thank a developer named Pwn20wnd who discovered that Jailbreak apps could be installed on the device again. The developer itself recommends users stay with version 12.4 so they can continue to install any app they want, but this recommendation also exposes those users to serious and probably unpayable security risks, probably to the average user.
