Port of application using libpcap to iPhone OS

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Port of application using libpcap to iPhone OS

Hi all.

We have a cross-platform application called Fing ( http://www.over-look.org/site/index.php/documentation/fing-features) written in C++, which uses boost, libpcap, and zlib. Currently, it's available for Mac OS X Leopard (and other platforms).

We are considering porting the application to iPhone OS (official App, NOT JAILBROKEN). I've found online some evidence that boost can be compiled for iPhone SDK, so my main concerns now are:
1) is libpcap available/accessible as part of the core services?
2) is there a way/API to request access as root in latest OS (2.2.1 or higher)? From online forums, it seems that apps currently run as a non-root user, and libpcap would return no results in that case.

Thanks to anyone for the help
The overlook team

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on May 6, 2009 3:46 AM

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Answer 1

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RayNewbie

Level 5

6,810 points

May 6, 2009 11:03 AM in response to over_look

No, there's no way for an approved app to get root perms. I assume it's out of the question since that kind of access would break the business model that allows independent developers to place apps in the store.

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Answer 2

over_look Author

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May 6, 2009 1:15 PM in response to RayNewbie

Thanks for the prompt reply.
It still puzzles me that not one of (literally) one billion applications ever requires root privileges. I understand the potential security problems, though other sandboxes (e.g. in Java) allow an authentication mechanism to escape out the restrictions when needed.

I guess that also libpcap is not accessible, as it would be of little/no use if you are not root.

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Answer 3

K T

Level 7

23,877 points

May 6, 2009 1:29 PM in response to over_look

It still puzzles me that not one of (literally) one billion applications

30k apps with +1 billion downloads.

Not sure what environment you're used to that treats root so casually, but in this world, such actions are taken seriously.

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Answer 4

over_look Author

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May 8, 2009 1:11 AM in response to K T

I don't think that every application should have that privileges by default. But I though (as in all other systems environments) that there should be a way to raise that privileges once you know what you're doing.

Thanks for pointing out the correct number of apps. 1 bln applications was way too much.
Marco

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