• Forums
  • Shop
  • iPhone 13
  • AirPods Deals
  • iPad Deals
  • Best Apple Watch

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. News
That's bad

iOS exploit allows hackers to gain access to photos, messages, and more

The exploit is thankfully not being used in the wild.
Joe Wituschek
1 Dec 2020

How to turn on Messages in iCloudSource: Joseph Keller/iMore

What you need to know

  • A member of Project Zero at Google has discovered an exploit that allows hackers to access an iOS device.
  • The exploit allows a hacker to access photos, messages, and more without the user's knowledge.
  • The issue is related to the technology that enables features like AirDrop.

Ian Beer, a member of the Project Zero team at Google, has discovered an exploit with the technology used to enable wireless connection features like AirDrop that allowed the hacker to gain access to photos, email, and messages from iOS devices without the user ever knowing.

Beer posted the news earlier today on Twitter, saying that he has been working on the project since the beginning of the year.

Excited to finally publish my lockdown project from earlier this year: an iOS zero-click radio proximity exploit odyssey.https://t.co/UXQvemH0hG

— Ian Beer (@i41nbeer) December 1, 2020

The developer says that the vulnerability was discovered in a component called AWDL, the technology that enables peer to peer connection, like AirDrop, between Apple devices.

AWDL is enabled by default, exposing a large and complex attack surface to everyone in radio proximity. With specialist equipment the radio range can be hundreds of meters or more.

— Ian Beer (@i41nbeer) December 1, 2020

Beer pointed out that, in the wrong hands, this kind of exploit could invade privacy on a massive level.

My prototype exploit gains access to any nearby iPhone's memory in just a few seconds; imagine launching the exploit from a drone flying across a protest...

— Ian Beer (@i41nbeer) December 1, 2020

Thankfully, Beer says that he has not found any evidence of this vulnerability being used in public. The developer is also asking to work with Apple to patch the issue through their Bug Bounty Program and has committed to donating any money made from the program to charity.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Apple has released macOS Monterey 12.5 beta for public beta testers
Update time

Apple has released macOS Monterey 12.5 beta for public beta testers

Are you ready to take the next version of macOS out for a spin? Here's how to install the public beta of macOS Monterey on your computer.

Review: Is the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar the one for you?
Controlled entertainment

Review: Is the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar the one for you?

If you're in the market for a new soundbar, it's worth considering Bowers & Wilkins' latest entrant, the Panorama 3.

Watch the stunning second trailer for Apple TV+ series 'Prehistoric Planet'
Must-watch

Watch the stunning second trailer for Apple TV+ series 'Prehistoric Planet'

Apple TV+ has today shared a second trailer for the upcoming dinosaur series 'Prehistoric Planet,' a five-night event that will feature Sir David Attenborough.

Get the rarest gift for the Nintendo Switch amiibo collector in your life
Let the hunt begin

Get the rarest gift for the Nintendo Switch amiibo collector in your life

Nintendo's amiibo lets you collect all of your favorite characters and gain some in-game benefits for having the figures. Here are some of the most expensive and hard-to-find Nintendo Switch amiibo figures on the market.

Keep in Touch

Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from iMore!

I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands.

I would like to receive mail from Future partners.

No spam, we promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission.

  • News
  • iOS
Joe Wituschek

Joe Wituschek

Joe Wituschek has been in the technology industry for over a decade. Formerly Apple, Joe now covers the company as a news writer for iMore. Connect with Joe on Twitter @joewituschek.

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac
  • Apple TV
  • Reviews
  • How To
  • HomeKit
  • Forums

Other Categories

  • About Us
  • Newsletter
  • Fitness
  • Apps
  • Gaming
  • Deals
  • Advertising Inquiries
  • Licensing and Reprints
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Android Central
  • Windows Central
  • Thrifter
  • TechnoBuffalo
  • MrMobile
Log in or Sign up
  • t
  • f
  • y
  • i
  • r

Brightness

  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement