Apple iOS 4.3.4 patches PDF security hole

By Geoff Duncan Published July 18, 2012

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Have a jail broken phone? Make sure to check out our picks for the best jailbreak apps and games.

Apple has released iOS 4.3.4 (iOS 4.2.9 for users on Verizon) which fixes a vulnerability with the operating system’s PDF support that could enable attacks via maliciously-crafted PDF files. Earlier this month, Jailbreakme.com relaunched using this PDF exploit to enable user to jailbreak their iOS devices. As expected, the patch shuts down that particular jailbreaking technique.

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The update is free for the iPhone (3GS or newer), iPad, and iPod touch (third and fourth generations).

The PDF exploit was also the subject of a consumer alert issued by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security warning users of iOS devices to stay clear of PDF files from unknown senders. Although there are no known cases of the PDF exploit being used maliciously in the wild, security experts warned the technique could quickly be exploited for malicious purposes.

The update is available via users’ iTunes applications.

Former Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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