Apple Blocks Bluetooth Attacks With IOS 17.2 Update

JAKARTA - Apple has successfully blocked Bluetooth attacks carried out using Flipper Zero which sent a series of pop-ups to iPhones, causing them to experience lockdowns and crashes. While Apple hasn't officially announced the changes, it appears the company has implemented fixes on iOS 17.2, according to trials from ZDNET and 9to5Mac.

This attack, which allows users to make the surrounding iPhone that runs iOS 17.0 crash, involves Flipper Zero, a small versatile hacking device. A third-party Firmware called Flipper Xtreme includes a feature that allows Flipper's built-in Bluetooth radio to blow up a large number of Bluetooth alerts to devices.

Previously, the only way to prevent the attack was to completely disable Bluetooth on the iPhone, but it appears that Apple is finally overcoming the vulnerability.

While trying to lock up an iPhone running iOS 17.2 with Flipper Zero, both ZDNET and 9to5Mac found that only a few pop-ups appeared on the device. Fortunately, the number of notifications was not enough to cause the device to crash.

It is not yet known exactly what Apple is doing to make this repair, but The Verge has contacted Apple with further information requests. For now, it's best to update your iPhone to iOS 17.2 if you haven't done so.