Apple Releases iOS 4.3.4 to Address Latest Jailbreaking Vulnerability

Friday July 15, 2011 10:39 am PDT by Eric Slivka

Apple has just released iOS 4.3.4, making good on a promise to patch a vulnerability that has been used for the latest JailbreakMe.com jailbreaking method but which could also allow malicious downloads to infect users' devices. The update is available for the iPhone 4/3GS, third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, and all iPads. A special iOS 4.2.9 update is also available for the CDMA iPhone 4.

ios 4 3 4
The iOS 4.3.4 update comes in as Build 8K2, while the iOS 4.2.9 registers as Build 8E501.

iOS 4.3.4 Software Update

Fixes security vulnerability associated with viewing malicious PDF files.

Apple has also posted security-related documents outlining the three vulnerabilities patched in iOS 4.3.4 and iOS 4.2.9.

Popular Stories

Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results

Tuesday October 6, 2026 12:59 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Since 2023, Apple's newer iPhones have had an 80 percent charge limit for those who want to extend battery lifespan. Charging to 80 percent instead of 100 percent is supposed to put less stress on the battery, improving longevity. For the last three years, I've used that setting on my iPhone. I started with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, then did the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and most recently, the iPhone...

• 416 comments

Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:04 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today announced an upcoming product launch that will take place on Tuesday, October 13. We are expecting Apple's announcement to focus on new smart home products, including the long-rumored smart home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The home hub is an all-new device that's like a cross between an iPad and...

• 153 comments

Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October

Monday October 5, 2026 7:24 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple plans to unveil an all-new home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K on Tuesday, October 13, and MacRumors has since learned about another launch slated for later in the month. Apple is planning to unveil additional new products in the final week of October, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. While we do...

• 51 comments

Top Rated Comments

baleensavage

199 months ago

i thought jailbreaking was legal and your right to do so..... why then does apple keep issuing patches to break the jailbreakers....?

Because this particular method of jailbreaking uses a security loophole that could be used by a malicious website to hack your iPhone. Whether you agree with jailbreaking, it's a good thing that Apple is addressing security concerns like this.

Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Aduntu

199 months ago

i thought jailbreaking was legal and your right to do so..... why then does apple keep issuing patches to break the jailbreakers....?

Jailbreaking is accomplished by exploiting a vulnerability in the device. Apple patches these vulnerabilities like any responsible company should.

Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)

9822737

199 months ago

i thought jailbreaking was legal and your right to do so..... why then does apple keep issuing patches to break the jailbreakers....?

What? It's to patch a security hole!

Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)

fabian9

199 months ago

i thought jailbreaking was legal and your right to do so..... why then does apple keep issuing patches to break the jailbreakers....?

Because the exploit can also be used to inject non-jailbreak related code.

Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)

GeekLawyer

199 months ago

i thought jailbreaking was legal and your right to do so..... why then does apple keep issuing patches to break the jailbreakers....?

Apple is patching the legitimate security vulnerability that allowed the jailbreakme break to work. Which could be used by other for malicious purposes.

It's a good precaution for Apple to take. Luckily the jailbreak community has already released their own fix, which means those jailbroken can keep their jailbreak and sense of security.

Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)

GeekLawyer

199 months ago

It's a trap!