A security researcher managed to hack Apple's USB-C controllers used in current iPhones, which would typically raise concerns about security and the possibility of jailbreaking the iPhone. But there's probably nothing to worry about.
The vulnerability lies in the ACE3 USB controller, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 line in 2023. Cyber Security News reports that researcher Thomas Roth used his knowledge of the previous controller, the ACE2, as a basis to hack the latest controller, using “a combination of reverse engineering, RF side channel analysis and electromagnetic fault injection.” Roth and his team were able to bypass ACE3's validation checks and install a modified patch into the processor.
Apple's controller is more complex than typical USB controllers, handling charging and data transfers, making it a target for hackers. However, Roth told Forbes that when he reported the issue to Apple, the company told him the attack was so complex that it did not consider it a threat, and Roth agreed with the position from Apple.
Roth presented his findings at the Chaos Communication Congress last December and they were recently reported by several security media outlets. However, Roth presented his findings as early as last June at the Offensive Security Conference. A recording of Roth's June presentation is available on YouTube; this appears to be the same as the CCC presentation in December.
How to protect yourself from hacker attacks
As Apple and Roth state, this attack is so complicated that users don't need to worry about it. If a hacker exploited this vulnerability, they would need to have physical access to your iPhone. Apple has implemented protections within its operating systems, and the company releases security patches through operating system updates. It is therefore important to install them when they are available.
igamesnews has several guides to help you, including a guide on whether iPhones are virus-proof, how to remove a virus from an iPhone or iPad, whether or not you need antivirus software, a list of Mac viruses, malware and Trojans, and a comparison of Mac security software.
