If you’re new to this kernel file descriptor (kfd) thing and you’re excited to begin taking advantage of it because you’re using a compatible firmware, then you’re probably going to want to pay close attention to a new project called Picasso by iOS developer sourceloation.
While Picasso is an entirely new project for the kfd exploit, its roots are based on that of the Cowabunga jailed toolbox intended for the MacDirtyCow exploit. With that in mind, you’re going to see a lot of resemblances if you’ve ever used Cowabunga before.
While speaking with sourcelocation, I was advised that Picasso is a cut-down version of Cowabunga. This means that Picasso sports fewer features than Cowabunga, but because it’s kfd-compatible, it works on firmware spanning from iOS 16.0 to 16.6 beta 1. Comparatively, Cowabunga only supported firmware spanning iOS 15.0-16.1.2, so this means that more users may be able to take advantage of Picasso.
We should also note that Picasso only currently works on newer A12-A16 devices, including the following:
– iPhone XR
– iPhone XS
– iPhone XS Max
– iPhone 11
– iPhone 11 Pro
– iPhone 11 Pro Max
– iPhone SE (2nd generation)
– iPhone 12 mini
– iPhone 12
– iPhone 12 mini
– iPhone 12 Pro
– iPhone 12 Pro Max
– iPhone 13
– iPhone 13 mini
– iPhone 13 Pro
– iPhone 13 Pro Max
– iPhone SE (3rd generation)
– iPhone 14
– iPhone 14 Plus
– iPhone 14 Pro
– iPhone 14 Pro Max
Right out of the box, Picasso currently supports the following features:
– Springboard Tools (Dock color, Folder background color, Control Center background color, Notification banner background color, Notification shadow color)
– Custom system-wide Fonts
– Custom Face ID lock icon animation on Lock Screen
– Settings app customizer
– Audio (charging, screenshot, lock, notification etc.) customizer
Much like Cowabunga, we expect that Picasso will receive additional updates over time that incorporate new features. At this time, this initial release is slimmed down compared to Cowabunga, but it’s worth noting that not all add-ons intended for MacDirtyCow will port directly over to kfd without some effort, so that’s to be expected.
If you’re interested in giving Picasso a try, then you can visit the project’s depiction page where it can be purchased for $5.95. Soon after Picasso comes out of beta, sourcelocation says the package will become free to download:
Due to being a kfd-related package, you do not need a jailbreak to take advantage of Picasso, so you can use this even if you have Apple’s latest iPhone as long as it’s running a supported firmware.