A vulnerability identified in Apple chips may assist hackers in unlocking older iPhones, according to a recent announcement from Paradigm Shift, a cybersecurity firm based in Barcelona. The flaw, referred to as “usbliter8,” impacts iPhones equipped with Apple-made A12 and A13 chips, which include models like the iPhone XS, XR, and up to the iPhone 11. The company has also made available a proof of concept demonstrating how to exploit this vulnerability, which necessitates physical access to the device.
This discovery opens avenues for security researchers and government contractors to potentially create effective hacks by chaining this vulnerability with others. Although Apple has implemented stringent security measures to protect its devices, the existence of this flaw highlights that vulnerabilities persist, enabling sophisticated hackers to bypass security protocols.
Notably, the flaw resides in the iPhone’s Boot ROM, the initial code that runs when the device powers on, serving as its primary defense against unauthorized access. As the Boot ROM is immutable, any issues cannot be patched, making upgrading to newer hardware the most reliable option for users concerned about security.