Broque Ramdisk ((new)) 〈LIMITED〉

However, as Apple’s hardware and software security matures, tools like Broque Ramdisk are becoming museum pieces. The window of vulnerability—A5 through A11 chips on iOS 14 and earlier—is closing. New devices are immune, and older devices are being phased out.

The ramdisk loads and mounts the system and data partitions. Because the SEP is still active, if the device has a passcode, the data partition is encrypted. However, on vulnerable devices, Broque Ramdisk can request the SEP to decrypt the volume using a "staged" or "bypass" method—sometimes by presenting a fake attempt counter. broque ramdisk

Using Checkm8, Broque Ramdisk gains code execution at the bootrom level, allowing it to load an unsigned ramdisk image. Note: For A12+ devices, different or newer exploits are required, and success rates drop significantly. The ramdisk loads and mounts the system and data partitions

The tool sends a custom Darwin-based ramdisk image (often derived from iOS itself or a lightweight XNU kernel) to the device. This image contains tools like afc (Apple File Conduit), usbmuxd , and ssh servers. Using Checkm8, Broque Ramdisk gains code execution at

Apple actively fights these tools: every iOS update patches ramdisk injection vectors, strengthens SEP isolation, and introduces hardware features like Pointer Authentication Codes (PAC) and SEP ROM patches in newer chips. | Tool | Method | Chip Support | Ease of Use | Data Extraction | |------|--------|--------------|-------------|------------------| | Broque Ramdisk | Checkm8 + custom ramdisk | A5–A11 | Medium (GUI/script) | Full FS, limited keychain | | Miner (MFC) | Similar ramdisk approach | A5–A11 | Low (command line) | Full FS | | Cellebrite UFED | Proprietary exploits + hardware | All (paid updates) | High (professional) | Full extraction, keychain, deleted data | | GrayKey | SEP brute-force + ramdisk | A5–A14 | High (appliance) | Full, including passcode crack | | iMyFone LockWiper | Claimed ramdisk | Mostly A5–A11 | High (GUI) | Usually bypass only, not extraction |

Nevertheless, Broque Ramdisk remains a fascinating case study: a tool that exposes the delicate balance between user privacy, law enforcement needs, and the relentless march of platform security. It reminds us that no lock is perfect, but each new generation makes the key a little harder to forge. Disclaimer: This article is for educational and forensic research purposes only. Unauthorized access to any computing device is illegal in most jurisdictions. Always obtain explicit permission from the device owner or a court order before using tools like Broque Ramdisk.