Apple Sues Corellium Over Browser-Based iOS Virtualization
Apple files a copyright infringement lawsuit against Corellium, a company that creates virtual iOS devices for security researchers. The tech giant demands an immediate halt to the software and unspecified financial damages.
Apple files a lawsuit against virtualization software company Corellium over its browser-based iOS simulators. Corellium allows users to create and interact with virtual iPhones and iPads that run actual iOS firmware. Apple accuses the company of copyright infringement and demands that Corellium ceases all operations of its iOS virtualization products.
Security researchers rely heavily on Corellium to hunt for potential bugs without risking physical hardware. The virtualized devices allow users to quickly load prior versions of iOS, easily recover from bricked devices, and pause the system to inspect its precise state. The company's deep understanding of Apple's software stems from its co-founders, who were early pioneers in the iPhone jailbreak scene.
This legal action arrives just days after Apple introduces its own iOS Security Research Device Program. Through this new initiative, Apple plans to provide select researchers with less-locked-down physical devices for finding vulnerabilities. In its complaint, Apple emphasizes that Corellium builds its perfect digital facsimiles without any license or permission from Apple.