AllYouCanTech

As is commonly seen when new Apple products are nearing release, preliminary Geekbench benchmark results are already circulating. Here’s how two outcomes attributed to the M4 iPad Air have turned out.

## Up to 22% performance increases, depending on measurement criteria

As noted by MacRumors, two Geekbench test outcomes appeared earlier today claiming to be for the upcoming M4 iPad Air.

Both indicate an iPad model identifier iPad16,11 (which corresponds to the 13” Wi-Fi + Cellular variant), with the first test achieving scores of 3,438 in single-core and 12,885 in multi-core CPU evaluations, while the second test recorded scores of 3,714 and 12,296, respectively.

For context, Geekbench scores for the 13″ M3 iPad Air are 3,048 in single-core and 11,667 in multi-core, indicating that the new device could realize gains between 13% and 22% in single-core, and 5% to 10% in multi-core CPU performance.

That being said, an intriguing detail regarding the M4 iPad Air is that Apple modified the chip’s core count compared to previous M4 chips.

The iPad Air’s M4 chip boasts an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, whereas the M4 chip in the iPad Pro had up to a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.

On Geekbench, the 13” Wi-Fi + Cellular M4 iPad Pro achieved scores of 3,704 in single-core and 13,805 in multi-core CPU evaluations, indicating that the new M4 chip in the iPad Air is approximately on par or 7% slower in single-core performance and around 7% to 11% slower in multi-core performance.

Naturally, it’s always advisable to remember that Geekbench scores, especially for devices that have yet to be released, should be viewed with some skepticism.

Once the devices become available on March 11, additional benchmark results are likely to arise, alongside reviews and hands-on testing providing a clearer understanding of how the new model stacks up against existing ones in practical use.

Nonetheless, if you wish to examine the two tests that emerged earlier today, they can be found [here](https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/16841908) and [here](https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/16841740).

**Coruna: A Novel Exploit Kit Targeting Legacy iPhones**

The Threat Intelligence Team at Google, in partnership with the security firm iVerify, has disclosed information regarding an advanced exploit kit identified as Coruna. This toolkit is crafted to target several vulnerabilities in iPhones operating on outdated iOS versions, particularly those ranging from iOS 13 to iOS 17.2.1.

### Technical Insights

Coruna functions by interlinking five distinct iOS exploit chains and utilizing 23 vulnerabilities to compromise the security of unpatched iPhones. The attack initiates when a user navigates to a malicious website that uses concealed JavaScript to collect data about the device, such as its model, system version, and security configurations. Utilizing this collected data, the exploit can traverse different routes to circumvent essential iOS security measures, elevate privileges, and deploy malware capable of gathering data or fetching additional harmful modules.

Importantly, this exploit kit is engineered to detect whether Lockdown Mode is active on the device or if the user is utilizing private browsing mode, halting the attack if either condition applies. This accentuates the necessity of keeping devices current, as the exploit is ineffective against the newest iOS iterations.

For an in-depth analysis of Coruna’s functionality and a comprehensive list of the vulnerabilities it exploits, readers are encouraged to consult the full article on the Google Cloud Blog.

### Background Information

iVerify has issued a report concerning Coruna, shedding light on its possible origins. Their reverse-engineering investigations imply that Coruna has foundational similarities with established hacking tools linked to the US government. This represents the first notable widespread exploitation of mobile devices, including iOS smartphones, by a criminal organization employing tools potentially created by a nation-state.

The report suggests that, in spite of Coruna’s seemingly related connections to US government tools, it has been employed in operations by Russian operatives and cybercriminals based in China. The extensive deployment of such tools raises alarm over potential leaks, as indicated by previous findings that spyware has increasingly targeted powerful individuals beyond traditional subjects such as journalists and dissidents.

iVerify and Google have observed that Coruna has been disseminated via “watering hole” attacks, where compromised websites attract victims, including fraudulent cryptocurrency services that lead users to harmful pages. The primary aim of these operations seems to be financially motivated, with components intended to extract cryptocurrency wallet information and recovery phrases from affected devices.

For additional information, readers can review iVerify’s complete report.

### Summary

The rise of the Coruna exploit kit highlights the persistent risks faced by users of outdated iOS versions. Keeping devices updated is vital to protect against such advanced assaults. As cyber threats advance, awareness and proactive strategies continue to be crucial for safeguarding personal and sensitive data.