# Apple iOS Activation Flaw 

## Summary
A **critical vulnerability** in Apple’s iOS activation backend allows injection of unauthenticated XML `.plist` payloads during the device setup phase.  
The flaw permits arbitrary provisioning changes without authentication, signature verification, or error feedback — exposing devices to **pre-activation tampering** and **persistent configuration manipulation**.

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## Affected Product
- **Vendor:** Apple  
- **Product:** iOS Activation Infrastructure  
- **Endpoint:** `https://humb.apple.com/humbug/baa` (Apple internal)  

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## Core Issue
- The server at `https://humb.apple.com/humbug/baa` accepts unauthenticated XML payloads.  
- This enables **silent provisioning changes** during activation.  
- **Impacts include:**
  - Modem configuration  
  - CloudKit token behavior  
  - Carrier-level protocol enforcement  

⚠️ No jailbreak, malware, or user interaction required.

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## Implications
- **Supply chain compromise potential**  
- **Bypasses enterprise MDM and hardening policies**  
- **Persistent, pre-user compromise vector** during the trusted setup phase

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**Disclosure Timeline**

- 05/19/2025 reported to Apple & US Cert (tracking ID VRF#25-05-RCKYK)
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## Why This Matters

If activation can be hijacked, no iPhone is safe from day one. A silent attacker could pre-configure networks, tokens, or carrier rules before the user ever sees the home screen. Trust in Apple’s entire supply chain depends on this step being secure.