[93284] Hardware security vulnerability in older iPhones: Apple cannot release a fix update

Hardware security threat in older Apple devices

Security researchers have uncovered a severe hardware vulnerability known as usbliter8, affecting a range of previous-generation Apple devices. According to reports on Technology - HaMadlif, it is a "security vulnerability in older iPhones that Apple cannot close with an update," a fact that raises questions regarding the longevity of the affected devices.

Vulnerability details

The vulnerability, reported by the security firm Paradigm Shift, exploits a failure at the silicon level (the USB controller and firmware). In Tech Updates 💻, it is noted that the issue concerns the A12 and A13 chips and affects select models, including:

• iPhone XS


• iPhone 11


• iPhone SE (2nd generation)


• Select iPad and Apple Watch models

Significance for users

Tech Updates 💻 emphasize that because it is a "failure at the silicon level," it is impossible to block the vulnerability via software updates. However, it is noted that "fortunately, you need the device physically to affect it" – a fact that somewhat mitigates the risk level for the average user.

Despite the need for physical access to the device, the editors of the reporting channels summarize the situation with a sharp statement: "You need to buy a new one" (according to Technology - HaMadlif), as the threat remains permanent and unfixable by the manufacturer.