A security researcher has worked out how to hack a proprietary USB-C controller used by Apple, an issue that could eventually lead to new iPhone jailb

New hack breaks open Apple's USB-C security

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2025-01-14 18:30:11

A security researcher has worked out how to hack a proprietary USB-C controller used by Apple, an issue that could eventually lead to new iPhone jailbreaks and other security problems.

As one of the more privacy and security-focused companies, Apple has become a prized target for hackers to beat. In one instance, it seems the iPhone's USB-C controller has become a risk factor.

Revealed at the 38th Chaos Communication Congress in December, with information only being revealed to the public in January, researcher Thomas Roth presented a demonstration of attacking the ACE3 USB-C controller.

The ACE3 USB-C controller is a key element, as it is in charge of recharging the device and handling data transfers. It first appeared in the iPhone 15 generation, managing the included USB-C port.

SiliconAngle reports Roth managed to reverse-engineer the controller, exposing its firmware and communication protocols. From there, he could reprogram the controller to perform acts, such as injecting malicious code and bypassing important security checks.