A tool is being released by the idiotic name of Dingleberry purporting to give root access to the BlackBerry Playbook. In other words, it’s a Playbook jailbreak. RIM has received wind of such plans and is in touch with the “researchers” responsible for the discovery of a vulnerability that allows users to have access to the inner workings of the tablet’s software.
Like Apple, RIM is probably none too pleased that this got public: they pride themselves on being the most secure mobile platform in the world. They have released a statement to that effect, below.
“Research In Motion (RIM) is aware of a claim made on Twitter by security researchers working together that suggests the ability to “jailbreak” a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. The term “jailbreaking” is commonly used to describe altering the software on a smartphone or tablet in order to obtain access to systems or applications not officially authorized or distributed by the manufacturer. BlackBerry smartphone users are not affected.RIM is currently investigating this claim and has been in contact with one of the security researchers to discuss it.
RIM is currently not aware of a jailbreak being leveraged by anyone other than the researchers, who claim to have performed a jailbreak on their own BlackBerry PlayBook tablets only. If it is determined that the claim is accurate, RIM will follow its standard response process to develop and release a software update that is designed to minimize adverse impact to our customers or carrier partners. RIM is aware that the security researchers have stated they intend to release a tool to jailbreak the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. If such a tool is released, RIM will investigate it.
The security of mobile devices and major networked systems is tested by third-party security researchers every day. RIM also continually tests the security of its own products, and volunteers its products to recognized industry experts for security testing and certification to help identify possible issues. RIM is committed to the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet and to working with researchers to continue to protect our customers.”
The writing is very clear: if the team releases a jailbreak tool, RIM will likely issue a cease-and-desist letter and are likely already patching the security hole for a future software update. But they could also go the other way, and work with the researchers to develop a tool that can be used safely and effectively. Microsoft did that with the group responsible for releasing a Windows Phone jailbreak, and it led to some great PR for them.
It also appears that the jailbreak “group” is mainly one guy, Chris Wade, who is not Italian despite the www.dingleberry.it address.
Source: BerryReview
Via: CrackBerry
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