Six major security risks of Apple iOS devices

Six major security risks of Apple iOS devices

 

1. iOS monitoring and remote access Trojan

Some Apple jailbreak tools can remove all built-in security mechanisms in iOS, and install monitoring software and remote access Trojans to facilitate attackers to track devices and access the information stored on them. The jailbreak tool must be physically connected to Apple devices or connected to a computer through a USB cable. However, attackers don't have to worry about it. Many users can't wait to install the jailbreak program after they get the iPhone.

2. False enterprise or developer Authentication

Attackers use Apple's publishing certificate to plug in applications with malware. That is to say, they can directly download and install apps without confirmation from the Apple App Store. Apple provides two third-party installation licenses, developer and enterprise. Developers can test the applications they have developed before the Apple Store releases the applications, while enterprises can create their own internal markets for specific applications. The problem is that attackers can steal or buy these licenses on the black market, and then entice users to download seemingly harmless applications to infect user devices without knowing them.

3. Malicious iOS configuration file

Attackers exploit the configuration file to bypass the iOS security mechanism. The configuration file can redefine various system function parameters, such as carrier, MDM (mobile device management), and network settings. Users may be tricked into downloading such malicious configuration files, so that they are directed to the server controlled by attackers without knowledge, and then installed with malware or even decrypted communication.

4. Man-in-the-middle Wi-Fi attack

When an Apple device is connected to a malicious WiFi hotspot, a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack occurs. Because all communication will pass through the network devices controlled by attackers, hackers can intercept or even change users' network communication. Man-in-the-middle attacks have always been a threat to wireless devices. Because of the popularity of smartphones in personal and economic life, they have become the primary target of attackers. Unfortunately, typical notifications and warnings on personal computers and laptops are easily ignored on mobile devices.

5. WebKit Vulnerability

WebKit allows the browser to correctly present webpage content to users. Attackers can exploit the vulnerabilities in WebKit to execute malicious scripts, which are usually used as a stepping stone for remotely infecting devices. A typical example of using WebKit is the popular iOS4 jailbreak technology called "jailbreak me ". It uses vulnerabilities in the Safari browser to allow users to "jailbreak" their devices when accessing a specific site. The solution to prevent malicious use of WebKit is to identify suspicious behaviors or related activities and prevent any data from being transmitted to attackers when these events occur.

6. 0-Day attack

0-Day attacks mean those vulnerabilities that are not discovered, rather than those that are not released. It is said that two vulnerability researchers sold an iOS system jailbreak vulnerability to $0.5 million, and the competition for vulnerability exposure is moving forward at full speed. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to steal passwords, enterprise data, and emails, and even capture keyboard strikes and display on the screen.