What is iOS Privilege Escalation?
📱🔐 iOS Privilege Escalation (Full Guide)
🔎 What is iOS Privilege Escalation?
In simple terms, Privilege Escalation (PrivEsc) is when an attacker (or researcher) moves from a lower privilege level → higher privilege level on iOS.
Normal app = sandboxed (no access to system files).
Attacker wants = root / kernel access (full control).
👉 This is the backbone of iOS jailbreaks, iOS malware, and many iOS exploits.
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⚡ Types of Privilege Escalation in iOS
1. Vertical Privilege Escalation
Gain access to higher-level privileges (e.g., root).
Example: Exploiting a kernel memory corruption bug to break sandbox and run code as root.
2. Horizontal Privilege Escalation
Access other apps or user data without root.
Example: Exploiting an iOS inter-process communication (XPC/IPC) flaw to steal data from another app.
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🛠️ Techniques & Attack Vectors
🔹 Kernel Exploits
The most powerful PrivEsc.
Example: SockPuppet (CVE-2019-8605) – use-after-free bug in iOS kernel allowed arbitrary code execution with system-level privileges.
🔹 Sandbox Escapes
Each iOS app runs in a sandbox (jail).
Exploit bugs in App Sandbox → escape → system resources.
🔹 Entitlement Abuse
iOS apps use entitlements (special plist permissions).
Misconfigured entitlements = app gets powers it should not have.
🔹 Jailbreak Exploits
Most jailbreak tools (Checkra1n, unc0ver) rely on PrivEsc.
Example: Checkm8 BootROM exploit → permanent jailbreak on A5–A11 devices (can’t be patched by Apple in software).
🔹 Abusing System Services
Attackers exploit daemons (running with higher privileges) through XPC messages, Mach ports, or IOKit drivers.
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📌 Real-World Examples
1. CVE-2016-4657 (Pegasus Spyware)
WebKit exploit → kernel PrivEsc → full device compromise.
Used in nation-state spyware.
2. CVE-2019-8605 (SockPuppet)
Used in jailbreaks.
Kernel memory bug → root access.
3. Checkm8 BootROM Exploit
Found by axi0mX.
Permanent hardware-based PrivEsc → unpatchable on affected iPhones.
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🛡️ Defenses Against Privilege Escalation
🔄 Update iOS regularly (Apple patches PrivEsc bugs quickly).
🚫 No Jailbreaking (removes system protections).
📱 MDM Policies – enforce app restrictions in enterprise devices.
👀 Monitor PrivEsc Indicators – unusual system files, unsigned apps, disabled security controls.
🔒 Apple Security Features
Code signing (apps must be signed).
Kernel integrity protection.
Secure Enclave (isolates cryptographic keys).
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🚨 Why It Matters?
Hackers: Use PrivEsc to install spyware, ransomware, or steal data.
Bug Bounty Hunters: PrivEsc exploits = high payouts 💰.
Researchers: Jailbreaking requires PrivEsc.
Defenders: Detecting PrivEsc attempts = preventing full system compromise.
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📌 Summary:
iOS Privilege Escalation is all about breaking Apple’s sandbox & kernel protections. From Pegasus spyware → Jailbreaks → Checkm8, every big iOS hack starts with PrivEsc.
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