XNUKern

XNUKern is a user-mode driver for the XNU kernel, the core of macOS and iOS. It acts as an intermediary, allowing user-space applications to interact with certain kernel functionalities that are not directly exposed through standard public APIs. Developed by the security research community, XNUKern aims to facilitate the analysis and understanding of XNU's internal workings.

The primary purpose of XNUKern is to enable reverse engineering and security research on Apple's operating systems. By providing a way to call kernel functions from user space, researchers can probe the kernel's behavior, identify vulnerabilities, and develop security tools. This driver typically requires specific privileges to load and operate, often necessitating disabling system integrity protections on macOS.

XNUKern is not an official Apple product and is not supported by Apple. Its use is primarily confined to security researchers and developers who need in-depth access to the kernel for specific analytical or debugging purposes. Due to its nature, XNUKern can potentially introduce instability or security risks if not used correctly and with a thorough understanding of its implications. Its development and distribution are typically found in open-source repositories focused on system security and reverse engineering.