iPhone Hackers: "we have owned the filesystem"
By Thomas Ricker 
posted July 10th 2007 7:05AM
posted July 10th 2007 7:05AM
The kooky hacking kids over at IRC channel #iphone claim to have gained full ownership of the iPhone filesystem. In an update titled "How to Escape Jail," they highlight the technical steps required to enable custom ringtones, wallpapers and more for your iPhone. They have not released a tool for general consumption -- yet -- but do provide the picture above as evidence of their hacking skillz.
Update: Video proof of a customized ringtone after the break.
Update: Video proof of a customized ringtone after the break.
Doesn't the iPhone run OS X? If so, how did they modify system files? Does that mean the iPhone runs apps with admin rights automatically?
If it is OS X, I would have set all the "important" stuff as admin-only, and delegated normal phone operations and file access to a general user account.
So, it sounds to me like either a) the iPhone runs everything in "admin" mode or b) these guys were able to crack the password to the admin user's account, or both. Is that the case?
After 1 day, the root password was hacked by multiple people.
They're not getting at things in the normal OSX/Unix way—there's no SSHD and the device only presents a chroot of the filesystem to a computer by default. They're accessing files on the device through a special restore mode which seems to disregard file privileges.
Until they can get it to automatically open my umbrella when it rains, they haven't proven anything!
Awesome. I bet these guys are just swamped with phone calls from hot chicks now.
Ok, put now the linux on the iPhone: http://zonow.com/78
QUUOTE "Ive never come across a cell phone yet that would allow me to customize thier menu screen."
You have never used a Windows Mobile smartphone? How sad.
Yeah, Windows Mobile ROCKS!
If you're really interested in more information, join the IRC channel, preferably #iphone-talk on irc.osx86.hu. In order to prevent the website from being overloaded, there was a request that other blogs do not link directly to it. Also there has been a little bit of added secrecy recently ever since rumors spread about spies from other groups.
The iPhone does indeed run Mac OS X, and has many of the normal frameworks (Foundation, CoreFoundation, etc.) that we have all come to know and love, as well as a directory structure very similar to that of a Macintosh.
@ Nick
"Ive never come across a cell phone yet that would allow me to customize thier menu screen. "
My Nextel i860 let's me change the background and icons of the menu screen...
let's?
my bad.. :P
Moving Safari is nothing, adding a Dictionary is so much better.
http://img489.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iphoneoj5.jpg
Why are mactards always claiming that we can't afford other phones?
Is that the only argument back against valid complaints?
So if you can afford it, you should have to live with lack of functions?
The hack is nice because the purpose of the iphone is CONTROL.
They really are planning to charge you for different ring tones, the hack probably just replaces the WAV file thats on the iphone.
Oh well better devices out there that are easily manipulated for custom use. Mactards still wont bother to look outside their bubble... whats new?!
what valid complaints, Dogtard? IM is a ripoff of IRC and email. And the apps (Widgets) are free and live.
Valid complaints
1-laminated glass, still more easily shatters.
2- removable battery
3- widgets might be ok but the iphone has webapps, even Apple developers were a bit annoyed by that
4- because of CLOSED system there is no ability to play 3rd party file formats such as Divx
5- they are basically locking down the phone as well, their intention is/was to charge you for ringtons as well
6- No flash
7- Slow network even if they get flash 3 months from now, it will be fricken slow!
8- no keyboard, I just spent an afternoon with an iphone, sorry, fucked up compared to a normal tactile keyboard
9. No GPS
EVERY single function from the keyboard, full rendered screens, and visual email has and is being done by MS mobile. well almost, pinching is new, and it IS a good interface BUT that is all!
9- No enterprise and probably never wiil. OMFG I just spent an afternoon to discovery that even iphone's POP email client software is flawed. It sends out as the email SMPT client rather then the posted email address you want. Meaning you cant POP your work email and then use yahoo or google to reply or email back using your work address!
And I CAN do that with Windows Mobile.
PS iphone likes to DELETE settings after you just entered them.. great fun for us REAL Admins/Techies trying to get this POS to work!
ENOUGH FOR YOU??
iPhownd!
...sorry, had to say it.
i love the new iphone. It always bother me when my girlfriend tells me that it is just another of my "silly toys". I honestly enjoy new technology, and that's just who I am. Big pet peeve of mine. It's nice to get the stress of my techi pet peeves like that off my back on blogs like this and mypetpeeves.com.
Your house payment is $600? Where the "F" do you live? In a cardboard box down by the river?
In addition to the moved Safari icon, it looks like they discovered how to update the date on the Calendar icon.
Edit: My mistake. It looks like that is the norm.
I have to agree with the majority here - it's cool that they've hacked into the system well enough to get access to the shell and tinker with the files - but my feeling is 'so what'?
Most of the 'new' features they're talking about activating are common features on WiMo and other phones. Worse, to use these 'new' features, you have to hack around with your phone and how many typical customers [read that closely - TYPICAL customers.. if you're thinking 'if only I could put Linux on an iPhone' - you are NOT a typical customer] are going to go through anything this spooky?
Meanwhile, over on WiMo, changing your rings tones to ANY audio file is stock. Rearranging your today screen or your main menu or your application page is trivial. Writing new apps for WiMo is trivial and powerful - you can do it in .Net for ease or in C++ in VS2005 or in Platform Builder for power. And you don't need Microsoft's permission.
Heck, they even GIVE away the tools (eVB and eVC).
And one application you KNOW you'll see soon enough is an iPhone-like shell for WiMo that lets it work just like the iPhone (or as close as you can get without violating copyrights and patents) but with the missing features added in.
One other thought I've not heard too many people discuss... Everyone loves to slag Microsoft for 'bloated' operating systems, but WiMo is just 22MB to 32MB total. That's the OS, all applications including Pocket Office and all libraries including .Net Compact Framework 2.0 and Direct X Mobile. That's one reason there's been so little in the way of glitzy UX - there really just isn't space for all the UI elements and graphics that make up an Apple UX (and don't kid yourself - I've disassembled Aqua for a .Net library that reproduces the MacOS UX and most of the Aqua UI on the Mac is just a huge 4.5MB library of graphic elements stored as bitmaps - basically a skinning library).
Meanwhile, Apple cranks out a phone with 4GB of NAND and 261MB to 700MB of it is reserved for the OS. And then they built a hyperglitz phone that doesn't even have many of the basic features in it - relying on the web browser to take up the slack. Yet I don't hear too many people calling Apple on their 'bloated' OS...
Personally, I hope that with WiMo 7, Microsoft starts cramming a lot more of WinCE into WiMo and tells the phone makers 'you'll need 1GB of NAND RAM from now on...'
As for ease of use, well, here's the thing. I've heard lots of people tell me that using the WiMo smartphone is MUCH harder than using the iPhone. But if we compare similar systems - we're comparing the iPhone to WiMo PocketPC Phone edition - not their simpler smartphone system that doesn't include a touch screen. And on the PPC Phone, making a call is *exactly* the same as on the iPhone. Same number of steps - same order even. Less if you use voice dial, which is a feature the iPhone currently doesn't have. And of course, you can use the onscreen keyboard, Jot, Graffiti, handwriting reco or even add your own keyboard or input systems if you'd like.
It's kind of specious to talk about what Apple 'will' do as opposed to what is here now. Of course Apple will release new firmware with new functions and apps. Only an idiot would think otherwise. However, the fact remains that WiMo does those things *now* and WiMo also gets upgrades that adds new functionality. Moreover, unlike the iPhone now (and for the forseeable future) you can install full apps *now* on a WiMo phone... you don't have to wait for an update - nor do you have to wait for Apple to decide which new feature you'll get.
Is the iPhone a nice phone? Yep. It is. Is it a great phone? Sorry - no, it's not. Is it revolutionary? Hardly. The one area where it clearly wins out is the UX and it does that with great glitz, but for once the candy coating shell is a bit hollow. In fact, the only things it does that I would be hard pressed to reproduce are coverflow (only because most WiMo phones have fairly low power processors - the system certainly has the capability to do it) and the full function browser (only because so far, most people are trying to write a browser that works well in a small screen rather than trying to make a small screen work well for a browser).
And as for ease of synching - well, I dunno - I plug it into my PC with the stock USB cable (no special iPod crap) and voila, ActiveSync pops up and syncs my phone. If I have Vista, it's even more transparent. And my phone is recognised as a media device, so it automatically syncs the music, photos and videos for me. And in the main drive window - it shows up as a hard drive, so I can drag and drop files.
A lot of the anti-WiMo mindset seems to come from people who either haven't used it in a long time, or really can't figure out how to operate it... And to be honest, if you really can't figure out how to use WiMo - well, perhaps you really should get an iPhone...
And probably not be allowed to drive a car.
Um, it was discussed before that the OS is *not* 700 MB but rather ~300MB (or thereabouts). Recall that the formatted capacity of a storage medium is less than the labeled capacity; it's the question of the definition of a GB: is it 1024MB or 1000MB? For the 8GB iPhone, you subtract this difference and the space required by the file system and *then* the OS, leaving you still with 7.24GB usable space.
It's not a nescient phone; you're a nescient phone. WM has instability, crashing, wiping, frustration, and inconveniense problems that OSX hasn't, despite its better software support—a PPC is a PC/PDA; iPhone is not a PC/PDA. How was the first PPC?
iPhone:
135g; concrete-proof**; Samsung 633MHz ARM RISC; OS X.iv; 3.5" widescreen 480:320 (160 d/in.) at 16Mcolor; 8GB; multitouch gestures; virtual keyboard for each app with drag modifiers; 24–29.5h music, 7–9h video, 7–9h talk, 80% battery after 300–400 charges, 2.5d/charge*; iPod; accelerometer; proximity sensor; ambient-liht sensor; strip-proof recessed stereo jack; earbuds with clicker
**see ZDnet for the video
*http://engadget.com/2007/07/03/iphone-review-part-2-phone-mail-safari-ipod/
quasiofficial battery guide:
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8300945231/m/621002106831
After tennish years, when the battery is at 40% or so, you can pay Apple $85ish and it will send you a new iPhone (not only a new battery) for swapout.
Every other phone/PDA has shoddier batteries and memory. A few hav sharper screens, such as VGA, but only support thousands of colors. The Nokia N95 has a great camera, but is sometimes blurry. The iPhone's camera I'd say is B+. The HTC doesn't support the iPhone's multitouch, as TouchFLO is still one finger: http://theunwired.net/?itemid=3899. Also read Pogue's keyboard shortcut. Jobs said that 3d-party apps will come soon, so expect free updates. (Widgets are free!) Until then, enjoy this: code.google.com/p/telekinesis. Whereby someone plaid World of Warcraft on his iPhone.
-Aut
I wonder what is going to happen when people start tinkering with the iPhone only to learn that they've just broken their user agreement or some such and can no longer get whatever support Apple is offering for the iPhone.
Then they just use the system restore feature in the new release of Itunes to set it back to factory default...
Supposedly, many of the things that everyone is wishing for should be in a firmware update along with the release of Leopard. The iPhone hardware is looking for Leopard to release them in all their glory. Tiger is over with as far as the iPhone is concerned. Okay, it doesn't have customizable ringtones like any cheap phone, but it's not that it won't ever be able to have them. Along with horizontal keyboard modes and unlocking of 3G mode. The Infineon MultiMedia EDGE chip the iPhone uses is 3G upgradeable. If you want to wait to buy the iPhone when the features are available, then wait, but it's only going to be a few more months. The iPhone has much better upgradeability than most iHaters care to recognize. Locking down everything is the Apple way of quality control. You can accept it or not. I agree it's an expensive phone, it has it's faults and it's not for everyone (yet). This is iPhone version 1.0, so if you call it an overpriced beta model, then so be it. So far, it's not geared for the smartphone tech-savvy geeks, but give it until the end of the year and you'll see what it's capable of. Leopard will awake the sleeping giant known as iPhone.
I don't really follow all the technical aspects of the iPhone so pardon me if this information is out there but why on earth should the iPhone require Leopard to be released in order to upgrade its features? Why does the phone need to be linked to the OS?
The only reasonable explanation I can think of is simply that some of the individuals who would be doing the upgrades on the iPhone are currently working on Leopard and therefore, after it is released, they will be available to do said upgrades. But that is not what your post is implying.
The other reason, if what you say is true, is that Apple is hoping to convert some people to use Macs if the OS is required to "unleash" all the features of the $600 phone they just bought. Given that most people (based on market share) are not using Macs, isn't it a bit silly to screw them if they don't have the OS required to upgrade their phones with these "wonderful new updates" that need Leopard? That doesn't seem like a particularly good idea by Apple IMO...
So unless you have some link to backup your statements, I really don't think I believe them.
Fair enough question. I hope this somewhat answers it.
I'm referring to Leopard OSX running within the iPhone itself. The iPhone is running the current version of OSX which is Tiger. I had heard that when Leopard for the Mac desktop computers is released, the iPhone will be upgradeable through iTunes (on Mac and Windows) to update the iPhone itself to OSX Leopard (similar to upgrading Windows Mobile 5 to WM6 on other smartphones). It should be a fairly hefty upgrade. Apple supposedly wants to tie in Leopard to all its devices including eventual iPod Multi-Touch model.
And no, you needn't believe anything I say. It may be considered, at this point in time, pure BS. The only way to be sure is when it actually happens. I'm only using rumors I've read and I have no guaranteed facts as regards to the Leopard update. I'm darn sure not some inside guy in Apple's Cupertino's headquarters. Most of what I read is blogging speculation. (The fact sheet does say the Infineon chip is 3G upgradeable, though). I don't own an iPhone and probably never will, but I do HOPE early purchasers get more standard features when the upgrades are released.
Are iPhone users really being screwed (maybe a little bit)? In general, they don't seem to be that dissatisfied. I guess you're going to mention about buying a car without the engine, but maybe it is buying a car without the radio, air conditioner and back seats. But if I bought a decent car I wanted, I would undoubtedly add the options as they became available. It's a poor analogy. I think most people knew more or less what they were getting when they purchased the iPhone.
I've bought enough electronic devices in my life that didn't quite live up to expectations, so I don't really get my hopes up too much now.
actually the iPhone has leopard already.
it is very frustrating to me that so many people completely discredit what the iphone does for us so early in its lifetime. I've been waiting no doubt months for the iphone to come out! This nagging and discrediting by friends around me has been a big pet peeve of mine. mypetpeeves.com is a fun place though for me to vent on it. i expect that someday all the naysayers will have one too, and I can laugh!
Boom!
Got the phone and I love it! Go hackers!
Some notes to ponder on the whole iPhone vs. whatever cell brand of phone.
1. Mac/Apple users (like myself) love it, want it, and will buy it. I have had it over a week and so far, impressed. I hate using cell phones to check email/surf web/text.
2. I own a Razr w/ Verizon and they've locked down 75% of the software to where it's practically USELESS! I was utterly pissed at them when I saw another carrier's Razr software. I am almost glad that Apple didn't deal with Verizon as I am sure Verizon wanted to exploit a whopping 15% of the phones capabilities.
3. I DON'T give a diddly-damn about customized Ringtones or downloading wallpapers? Hello, those of us who are in coroporate or trying to keep a corporate image don't need P'diddy or Snoop going off at a meeting or at our desks.
(BTW, You can customize the wallpaper from the photos you take or sync with iPhoto or whatever windoze uses.)
4. The iphone wasn't geared to the Blackberry crowd. It's geared to be sold to the generation of ipod and folks who just want to be connected to the internet.
Like soccer moms need powerpoint programs or office? I certainly don't and I own a business.
5. As far as the RINGTONES go, have you ever considered that the ringtones are VERY different than the other NEW phones on the market to distinguish them from the other phones to get people to LOOK at the person's phone while they are answering it???? Hello....EASY marketing!!!! I am sure customized ringtones will be available in the future updates.
6. Don't you think that Apple developers are scouring the internet reading blogs and gathering up info on what people are wanting to see and what hackers are coming up with? I am most certain that they are. It makes sense and also by the way, my iTunes just sent off a survey to see how I use my iPhone for product future enhancements.
7. As far as people whining about the price, I think it was fair given that if you have a Mac/Apple product you probably can afford it. For those who are whining, you have to look at it as 3 devices in one...an iPod, a phone, and an internet tablet similar to the Nokia 770.
8. The damn thing works way better than my dad's blackberry. The connection via wifi is really fast and in our area the Edge connection is pretty darn fast. Faster than I thought it would be. It's a tad bit shy under my home WIFI connection where we have the gaming band through comcast.net.
Well, that's just my two cents. Quit slamming people that can't own one. That is tacky and rude. Not everyone has a silver spoon in their mouth. I am sure the next generation iPods will have WIFI connection w/o a phone integrated with a more "wallet" friendly price.
"For those who are whining, you have to look at it as 3 devices in one...an iPod, a phone, and an internet tablet similar to the Nokia 770."
Uhh, the 770 came out in like 2005, was 300$. The N800 is now out (released 6months ago). It has Voip, Messaging , Opera with FULL java support, 5megapixal camera that can do video/pictures, The video camera can double as a webcamera for video conferences, runs linux which gets you pretty much full linux support and access to all linux apps, CLI if you want it (i can control my home pc through SSH), File formats (you can play anything you want on the N800, vs the 3 music and 2 movie formats you get with iphone).
It is also, OPEN, There are tons of things developed for it or ported from linux, Kismet for your wardriving needs for example, or snes/nes emulators. It 'isnt a phone' but you can connect to your phones internet through bluetooth to access the internet, or just use wifi.
the iphone isnt anywhere *close* to the n800 or 770. the N800 was also 300$+storage(40$ for a 4gig SD card can run 2 cards upto 16gb) vs 500$/600$ +Service contract. Also storage is hotswapable, and the battery can be replaced for less than iphone, and you can do it yourself.
I own other apple products, we got about 400-500$ off the MBP, and about 300 off (gg discounts) my PB 12 when i got it new, so it was a fairly competitive price. No way I would spend 600$ for a 'phone' with gimped features. Maybe if it the browser had flash (or choice of browser, n800 has firefox support too btw), a CLI so that i could SSH to my home computer, was open (access so i could do w/e i wanted on it), had choice of carrier, and was a little cheaper 400-500$.
n800 may not be as 'pretty' or have as 'friendly an interface' as the iphone, but it does A LOT more, the iphone is no where near the 770 or n800 as far as what it can do though.