Binance Warns of Apple iOS Flaw That Could Expose iPhone Users' Private Keys
Exchange advises users to update iOS and remove untrusted apps following discovery of 'worse_query' sandbox escape
Quick Look
- Binance has alerted iPhone users to a security flaw dubbed 'worse_query' that could allow malicious apps to access sensitive data.
- The exchange recommends updating to iOS 27.2.1 and removing sideloaded apps to protect crypto wallet keys and credentials.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The vulnerability, known as 'worse_query', is a sandbox escape that allows apps to access private files of other applications. It is described as a successor to an earlier exploit called 'bad_query'.
Binance has warned iPhone users about a vulnerability in Apple's iOS that it says could let malicious apps read files stored by other apps, putting crypto wallet seed phrases, private keys and login credentials at risk.
The flaw, dubbed "worse_query," affects iOS 26.7.1, 27.0.1 and 27.2, the exchange tweeted on Tuesday. "This is an iOS-level issue, not unique to Binance," it said.
Binance urged users to delete any apps installed from untrusted sources, such as sideloaded or manually signed app files, and to update iOS and all apps to the latest official versions. Anyone who suspects a breach should move their funds to a new wallet created on a clean device and reset all active login sessions, it said.
iPhone apps normally run inside a sandbox, which stops them from accessing other apps' private files. A researcher who goes by forcequitOS published worse_query on GitHub as a sandbox escape for iOS 26.0 through 26.7.2 and iOS 27.2, describing it as a proof of concept for developers that "isn't useful by itself." Among the locations it can reach is the folder where iOS apps store their data, according to the repository, which calls it the "direct successor" to an earlier exploit, bad_query. There have been no confirmed reports of crypto being stolen using the flaw.
Apple released iOS 27.2.1 on Monday, a day after the proof of concept was published. Its security notes list fixes for nine vulnerabilities, including an authorization issue in App Intents through which "an app may be able to access sensitive user data," as well as several Bluetooth and iMessage flaws.
However, the notes do not mention worse_query or its researcher, and Apple has not publicly confirmed whether the update addresses the flaw Binance described. At least one security expert believes it does. 23pds, chief information security officer at blockchain security firm SlowMist, urged users to update to iOS 27.2.1, saying in a tweet that the update would block the worse_query sandbox escape, along with other threats.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Users will update to iOS 27.2.1 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Has Apple officially confirmed the worse_query flaw?
- Are there any documented cases of actual crypto theft?
