Hackers ‘jailbreak’ RIM’s PlayBook tablet

Software developers say they have hacked into Research In Motion Ltd.’s PlayBook tablet computer, controlling the device’s file system and allowing the PlayBook to run unauthorized applications.

The developers who identify themselves as neuralic, xpvqs and Chris Wade, say they have exploited a hole in RIM’s vaunted security system to “jailbreak” the tablet.

In YouTube videos they demonstrate how to play a video from the Hulu Internet service that has been off limits to the PlayBook and key in commands to turn the PlayBook’s light-emitting diode signals on and off.

The PlayBook runs on a QNX-based operating system that will power a new generation of BlackBerry smartphones to be launched next year.

RIM said it is investigating and has contacted one of the developers, adding that it is constantly testing its devices for security and will release a software patch if a breach is confirmed.

“RIM is currently not aware of a jailbreak being leveraged by anyone other than the researchers, who claim to have performed a jailbreak on their own PlayBook tablets only,” the Waterloo-based company said in a statement “RIM is committed to the PlayBook and to working with researchers to continue to protect our customers.”

Wade in a Twitter posting said the trio has developed a tool, DingleBerry, which will allow the rooting of the PlayBook so users can access and alter the device’s file system, manipulate its hardware, and load new apps and operating systems.

He said DingleBerry will be available for download within a week. “If such a tool is released, RIM will investigate it,” the company said.

The PlayBook, which in July became the first tablet to win U.S. government security clearance, is viewed as less vulnerable to hacking than devices running on open-source software platforms, notably Google’s Android OS.

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