iOS update coming to fix PDF vulnerability

09.07.2011
Apple has promised a fix for an vulnerability in the way that iOS handles PDF documents that enables users to wirelessly jailbreak iOS devices.

Earlier this week Macworld reported that a new version of JailbreakMe, had been launched and could be used to jailbreak iOS devices running iOS 4.3.3, including the iPad 2.

JailbreakMe 3.0 is the first tool to enable an untethered jailbreak of the iPad 2 and exploits a vulnerability in the Safari PDF rendering system. Users of JailbreakMe can simply point their iOS device mobile-Safari browser to jailbreakme.com and the hack is performed remotely, unlike most other tools that require a software download on your computer, such as PwnageTool and redsn0w.

Security researchers, though, have sounded warnings that the vulnerability could also be used to install malware on an iOS device. Apple spokeswoman Trudy Millar issued a response to the concerns.

"Apple takes security very seriously. We're aware of this reported issue and are developing a fix that will be available to customers in an upcoming software update," Millar said.