Zero Day Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities on Apple iOS Exposed

Recent discovery of exploit chains targeting Apple iOS is the latest example of how cybercriminals can successfully operate malicious campaigns, undetected, through the use of zero-day vulnerabilities.

In this scenario, a threat actor or actors operated multiple compromised websites, using at least one or more zero-day vulnerabilities and numerous unique exploit chains and known vulnerabilities to compromise iPhones, even the latest versions of the operating system, for more than two years. It takes remarkable talent and resources to operate this kind of infrastructure without being detected, as potentially thousands of users were compromised without the campaign being identified.

Every villain necessitates a hero, and this campaign underscores the importance of threat research and responsible vulnerability disclosure. Cybercriminals are getting faster, smarter, and more dangerous with each day that passes. The collective power of a global community of researchers working together to identify and disclose critical vulnerabilities, such as those used in this attack, is an important way to make meaningful progress towards eliminating these types of malicious campaigns. Equally as important is dissecting attacks in their aftermath to expose unique and interesting characteristics and empower defenders and developers to mitigate these threats in the future. With that said, let’s take a look.