The Live Indian Entertainment Blog

Although Apple is always quick to say that jailbroken devices are less secure, in this case, they may be more secure. While Apple released iOS 4.0.2 and iOS 3.2.2 earlier to fix a .PDF vulnerability in the Safari browser that was exploited to create a jailbreak, those with first-generation iPhone and iPod touch models did not have access to an update from Apple that would close the hole.

However, hackers involved with the iPhone Dev Team, which have created these jailbreaks, have come up with a patch for jailbroken devices, including first generation iPhone and iPod touches as well.

According to the site, the patch will cover devices all the way back in the 2.x firmware range. Jailbroken devices only, of course. Go to Cydia and search for “PDF Patch."

Since 4.0.2 and 3.2.2 included only the fixes for the PDF vulnerability, those with a jailbroken version of 4.0.1 or 3.2.1 need not update to 4.0.2 to get the fix. They can stay on 4.0.1 and simply apply the Cydia patch (it also saves hackers from having to find a new exploit to jailbreak 4.0.2 with, since that hole is now closed).

Jailbreaking allows users to install programs that Apple bans from the App Store. Many of them are useful, including tethering programs, multitasking (prior to iOS 4.0, only jailbroken iDevices could multitask), and folder support (again, prior to iOS 4.0, only jailbroken devices could use folders to organize the icons in their user interface).

While jailbreking was recently ruled legal by the U.S Library of Congress as a DMCA exemption, Apple also warned that it would void your warranty. As we indicated in a prior report, however, unless your device is bricked, it's very easy to restore your iPhone to a non-jailbroken state.