iPhone Source Code From iOS 9 Leaked on Github

Source code for a core component of the iPhone's operating system recently leaked on GitHub, according to reports from Motherboard and Redmond Pie.

The code, which appears to be for iBoot, or the part of iOS that ensures a trusted boot of the operating system, was initially shared online several months ago on Reddit, but it resurfaced today on GitHub where it will presumably receive more attention. Motherboard consulted security experts who have confirmed that the code appears to be legitimate.

ios 9 ipad iphone
The iBoot code appears to be from a version of iOS 9, so it's not entirely relevant to the current iOS 11.2.5 operating system, but some of the code from iOS 9 likely still exists in iOS 11. It remains to be seen if anything will come of the leak, though, and it's also worth noting that modern iOS devices have protection in the form of the Secure Enclave.

There are files missing from the GitHub leak so the code can't be compiled, but security experts on Twitter say it could allow hackers and security researchers to find iOS vulnerabilities and create jailbreaks.


Along with the iBoot code, the leak includes a documents directory that offers up additional information relevant to iBoot, which Redmond Pie suggests could make it much easier to find a bootrom exploit for permanently jailbreaking iPhones and iPads.

Apple has open sourced portions of macOS and iOS in recent years, but iBoot is something that Apple has been careful to keep private. As Motherboard points out, Apple's own bug bounty program pays out up to $200,000 for vulnerabilities discovered in secure boot firmware components.

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Top Rated Comments

jdillings Avatar
97 months ago
Amateur hour at Apple these days...first the root bug in macOS, now iOS9 leaks
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Avieshek Avatar
97 months ago
Emojis & Rainbow Watchbands are first priority at Apple.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coolfactor Avatar
97 months ago
I understand that good can come from public eye on code, it still bothers me that people think they can just do whatever they want, ignoring licensing restrictions and user agreements. These people are not good, even if good can come of their actions.
[doublepost=1518070920][/doublepost]
Amateur hour at Apple these days...first the root bug in macOS, now iOS9 leaks
Amateur hour at the Forums... taking isolated incidents way out of context.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BootsWalking Avatar
97 months ago
"The iBoot code appears to be from a version of iOS 9, so it's not entirely relevant to the current iOS 11.2.5 operating system, but some of the code from iOS 9 likely still exists in iOS 11."

Boot code of an embedded device rarely gets a significant rewrite, so I would guess that most of the iBoot code is likely common between iOS 9 and iOS 11.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lostngone Avatar
97 months ago
I guess it is time to "double down" on security at Apple!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stanman64 Avatar
97 months ago
This will be overblown and all over tech sites by morning.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)