There is no chance to access iOS5 files via SSH without Cydia. There are a few ways to access iOS6 without Cydia apps but they are very routine I think so let's consider the Jailbreak example per Cydia app - SSH terminal server.
Access to your iOS files via SSH client is possible if you have a jailbreak.
Once you have your device jailbroke, you should have Cydia application installed.
It is possible to install unsigned apps like SSH terminal server and others.
Once the ssh terminal installed, you should turn it on and make sure your phone is online via WiFi or internet. Make note of your ip address, eg: 192.168.0.104 in our test working via local network WiFi.
Now, if you have no terminal client installed and do not know how to use it you can go for WinSCP which is a great client for your SSH terminal server if your are on PC. Macs come with openssh so you should know how to use it, eg: ssh [email protected].
To sign into the iOS device, the Host Name is the device's IP address which you noted earlier.
*Your device must stay turned on meaning the autolock should be disabled.
The un id is root and pass - alpine.
See iPhone 3gs SSH server settings on the attached image. Enjoy browsing after connecting to iPhone SSH server.
NEXT INTERVIEWEE

It's been interesting and promising start of the year: more iOS apps more iOS apple gadgets (iphone 4s, iphone 5)