Apple says those exploits the CIA used to hack into iPhones and Macs were fixed years ago.
Following the new release of CIA classified documents by the WikiLeaks, Apple adopted the same stance it did after the first round of revelations, saying that it had already fixed the bugs mentioned there.
The documents, which WikiLeaks say come from the CIA, detail a number of methods for compromising and breaking into Apple devices if an agent can get his or her hands on the device.
“We have preliminarily assessed the Wikileaks disclosures from this morning. Based on our initial analysis, the alleged iPhone vulnerability affected iPhone 3G only and was fixed in 2009 when iPhone 3GS was released. Additionally, our preliminary assessment shows the alleged Mac vulnerabilities were previously fixed in all Macs launched after 2013,” Apple said on the matter.
The Wikileaks poke
The company also took the time to poke WikiLeaks a bit. Although it admits they have not negotiated any deals for information via WikiLeaks, Apple does say it has given them instructions to submit any information they wish via their normal process under standard terms. So far, no details were shared with them.
This comes after Julian Assange said WikiLeaks would cooperate with tech companies to fix any security problems mentioned by the files, imposing a few conditions, however, like the companies having to release a patch within 90 days.
Companies have been somewhat reluctant to make deals with WikiLeaks, especially since there are concerns regarding the source of the CIA files and whether writing patches based on them is a good idea under the circumstances.
That being said, it’s not exactly a surprise that the CIA has developed various techniques to get into people’s phones. The Wiki files today discuss methods that require agents having physical access to the device. With enough time on one’s hands, getting into a locked device, even an iPhone isn’t impossible, although it’s extremely difficult.
If you’ll remember, the CIA had a row with Apple last year over the decryption of the iPhone of the San Bernardino’s shooter. Apple said it couldn’t open the phone even if it wanted to, and the CIA eventually found another way in, a technique they are refusing to share with the public despite being sued over it. Their answer was, in short, that they’re still using it and they can’t share their secret cracking ways.
