$200 device renders numerous iOS 17-running iPhones ineffective

Recently, security researcher Jeroen van der Ham found himself on a train in the Netherlands, headed to work. As usual, he used his iPhone to stay updated with news. However, shortly after, a strange incident occurred as his iPhone suddenly flooded with notification windows and froze.

Jeroen van der Ham recounts the bewildering moment: 'Every few minutes, I received a barrage of notifications, leading to overload and then automatic restarts'. What seemed like a morning incident didn't end there as on the same day's afternoon, Ham encountered a similar situation on his way back. This mishap not only affected him but also everyone else on board the train.

Following these events, Ham decided to uncover the identity of the assailant targeting him and others on the train. Surely, this individual was also on the same train. After thorough investigation, Ham discovered it was a passenger using a device known as 'Flipper Zero' to send low-energy Bluetooth (BLE) notifications to iOS 17-powered devices within close range.

Flipper Zero - a sleek device that has been on the market since 2020, capable of interacting with sub-1 GHz wireless devices such as RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and standard radio signals. It can perform various tasks, from changing TV channels in bars, copying hotel key cards, reading implanted RFID chips in pets, opening and closing garage doors, and even thwarting iPhone usage. Security experts often liken Flipper Zero to a 'Swiss Army knife' in the field of wireless communication.

Notably, Flipper Zero is priced at around $200, making it incredibly affordable considering the potential risks it poses. With this device, anyone can become an attacker with just a few simple steps, without needing knowledge of source code. Dan Guido, CEO of the security firm Trail of Bits, noted that this type of attack has existed for decades, but previously required expensive and specialized devices.

However, now with Flipper Zero, anyone can easily execute it. 'The frightening thing is that someone without source code knowledge can replicate most hotel room cards, offices. It turns radio frequency attacks into everyday gaming': Guido warns. Although Flipper Zero's manufacturer advertises the device as a 'versatile mobile tool' for computer enthusiasts and exploration lovers.

However, in reality, it is becoming a popular tool for pranks on subway rides, especially targeting iOS 17 devices. Although Apple has released the latest iOS 17.1.1 update, the issue persists, and the company has not made an official comment on the matter. Currently, turning off Bluetooth on the iPhone is the only way to prevent this attack, avoiding becoming a victim of these annoying pranks.

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