5 ms·

They need to break the boot trust chain to load unsigned code. Simply rewriting the flash isn't enough.

• DSingularity 11y ago
  Hence the need for a validbOS from Apple.
• Someone1234 11y ago
  Why would the code be unsigned? If Apple wrote the backdoor OS, they could presumably sign it.
  • mehrdada 11y ago
    I incorrectly totally misread the OP and thought was talking about FBI flashing it themselves, without Apple help. Yes, of course Apple can sign it. I stand corrected but can't delete my comment. To clarify, I agree that nothing they ask of Apple is technically impossible or even that difficult for Apple to pull off, probably via simple DFU without touching the flash at all.
• knodi123 11y ago
  why load unsigned code? can't apple sign it?
  • VLM 11y ago
    Or anyone else with the apple key such as the NSA.
    • nevir 11y ago
      The judge wouldn't need to ask Apple if that were the case.
      • RandomBK 11y ago
        Or the NSA doesn't want to reveal that they have Apple's code signing key.
      • tertius 11y ago
        True, but a judge wouldn't allow the NSA to decrypt with a stole key either.
    • frandroid 11y ago
      That wouldn't be valid evidence in court.