Paradigm Shift Finds Unfixable Flaw in 7 iPhone Models, Pushing Users to New Hardware
Updated
Updated · New York Post · Jun 20
Paradigm Shift Finds Unfixable Flaw in 7 iPhone Models, Pushing Users to New Hardware
3 articles · Updated · New York Post · Jun 20
Summary
Seven iPhone models — including the iPhone 11, XR, XS and second-generation SE — are exposed to an unfixable hardware flaw that lets attackers jailbreak devices before iOS starts.
The usbliter8 exploit targets the USB controller and firmware on Apple’s A12 and A13 chips, allowing unauthorized software to run or sensitive data to be extracted once startup protections are bypassed.
Physical access is required, limiting remote risk but leaving stolen or confiscated devices vulnerable; affected hardware also includes some iPads and Apple Watches using S4 and S5 chips.
Because the weakness is in hardware design rather than software, Apple cannot patch it with an update, leaving migration to newer devices as the main mitigation.