Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

API detection of Jailbreak

Hi, some months ago Apple has does an application programming interface (API) that could detect jailbroken device (then Apple has removed this).

I need to know the check of this action: how the API checks if the device is JB? API check if in the device there is the icon of Cydia or It check the kernel?


thanks

iPad, iOS 4.3.2

Posted on May 31, 2011 6:58 AM

Reply
15 replies

Jun 1, 2011 8:26 AM in response to varjak paw

ok, but is there a way to know the specific of this function? Is there a way to know how the API detect if a device is jailbreak or not?


I have to give an our customer this information because our customer say me that Apple detect a device Jailbroken when in this device is installed cydia. If there isn't Cydia, Apple doesn't detect JB?

Jun 1, 2011 9:17 AM in response to andrea34

Again, Apple has not documented any replacement API for that function that I can find, so there are no specifics to know. How Apple might themselves detect whether a device is jailbroken they haven't, and probably won't, discuss, since discussing their methods would lead to people finding ways to hide that they've applied a jailbreak.


Regards.

Oct 8, 2012 4:24 PM in response to MuqMan

Looking around it looks like this one is still not solved. It seems odd that people get skittish about talking about jailbreaking. As someone responsible for network security I have very legitimate reasons to not allow Jailbroken devices to connect to our back end servers. The device is compromised and as such so are its security protocols. Hence an API or other method of identifying this state would be tremendously helpful so that the devices connection can be prevented.

Oct 8, 2012 5:12 PM in response to carl wolf

Thanks for that Carl. I did consider using an MDM to blacklist apps but blacklisting is fairly passive given that there are at least four other apps that can jailbreak the device, and who knows how many other!!


Note the following that take 2 seconds to find:

Absinthe

RedSn0w

CLI

PwnageTool


I suppose this will be the only way to tackle this though. Like all things security I guess there are no easy ways!!!


Appreicate the feedback

Oct 8, 2012 6:03 PM in response to mg360

My opinion is your a little crazy as jailbreaking is not a security risk or anything and you are not allowed to check for such jailbreaks as TERMS of submitting an app for the App Store. I contacted Dropbox when I found out they was checking if I was jailbroken and they fixed that. It is called prying into my personal data to check. Not saying I'm jailbroken on this device also, iExplorer let's you look in the file system although I done it on a dedicated device such as my spare ipad.


So you don't allow laptops on your network right?


A jailbroken device means it can run extra code such as emulators for the Nintendo systems etc


Nothing like well I have no idea what your saying


Your just another guy that thinks he's right no matter what


Although you can rename apps eg cydia can be named Installer

API detection of Jailbreak

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.