Title: Unravelling the Hack on Apple iPhone USB-C: A User's Guide
In the new year of 2025, the security community was left reeling with the revelation of yet another credential-stealing attack aimed at macOS users. With Safari users warned not to click twice and even iOS emerging as a prime target for hackers, the situation appeared far from reassuring for Apple users. Security researchers then unveiled a successful bypass of Apple's security protections to hack the iPhone's USB-C controller.
At the 38th Chaos Communication Congress in Hamburg, Germany, Thomas Roth, better known as the handle 'stacksmashing,' presented a talk detailing the hack. As a security researcher known for creating videos on reverse-engineering and hardware security, Roth delivered a four-day conference talk that left the community in shock.
Roth disclosed how, by exploiting the multitude of hardware attacks and reverse-engineering techniques, he successfully achieved code execution on the Apple Customized ACE3 USB-C controller first introduced with the iPhone 15 series. This hack allowed Roth to dump the ROM and thoroughly analyze its functionality, opening the door for future research and potential vulnerabilities.
Impact and Implications
Although the hack had minimal immediate impact on Android devices, Roth warned of the longer-term consequences for iOS users. As access to read-only memory can open up new avenues for cybercriminals, neglecting Apple's response to this revelation could lead to potentially devastating consequences. Referencing the O.MG Cable, which enables various hacking tricks, Roth emphasized the importance of updating devices with the latest security patches and employing good cybersecurity hygiene.
Mitigations and Recommendations
To counteract potential threats related to juicing jacking and similar attacks, experts recommend:
- Using USB Data Blockers: These devices prevent data transfer while still permitting charging, minimizing the risk of malware installation or data theft.
- Avoiding Public Charging Stations: Caution should be exercised when utilizing public USB charging stations, as they could be potential entry points for exploits.
- Keeping Devices Updated: Regularly updating devices with the latest security patches is essential to protect against any potential threats.
- Using Trusted Accessories: Only trustworthy and verified USB-C accessories should be used to minimize the risk of encountering malicious devices.
- Implementing Solid Cybersecurity Hygiene: Maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene practices, such as using trusted accessories and avoiding public charging stations, remains vital in safeguarding against potential threats.
- Following the 2025 revelation, concerns about smartphone security, specifically iPhone USB-C security, became more prominent.
- Thomas Roth's presentation at the Chaos Communication Congress highlighted an iPhone hack involving the ACE3 USB-C controller, which is found in Apple iPhone models.
- After successfully exploiting hardware attacks and reverse-engineering techniques, Roth managed to hack the USB-C controller on an Apple iPhone, potentially leading to future vulnerabilities.
- Roth warned about the implications of this iPhone hack, urging Apple users to prioritize software updates and proper cybersecurity hygiene, such as using trusted USB-C accessories and avoiding public charging stations.
- To mitigate risks associated with USB-C hacks, experts recommend using USB Data Blockers, updating devices regularly, and maintaining cautious practices with public charging stations and accessory usage.
