New iPhone hack uses Bluetooth to remotely crash iOS 17 devices: How to stay safe

Apple iPhones are considered to be some of the most secure smartphones around the globe. This is due to a mix of Apple’s strict policies when it comes to apps and tracking, as well as many other factors. That said, iPhones aren’t exactly safe from attackers all the time, and a new Bluetooth attack shows exactly why.

A security vulnerability in iOS 17 leaves iPhones open to Bluetooth attacks from strangers. This could be at a store, in a bus, or pretty much anywhere. An attacker can use the vulnerability to do anything from annoying users with Bluetooth pairing requests to crashing their phones and sending them in boot loops every few minutes.

An Ars Technica report shows how security researcher Jeroen van der Ham became a target to the attack, along with several other commuters on a train ride. When every passenger’s iPhone suddenly started repeatedly rebooting, and methods like putting the phone into Lockdown Mode didn’t help.

How the attack works?

This Bluetooth attack uses the Flipper Zero, a radio frequency hacking device that’s available for as little as $200 (about Rs 16,600). The attacker reportedly was simply using this tool with his own MacBook to annoy those around him.

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Van der Ham tried replicating the attack at home by patching the tool with a special firmware and it worked exactly the same way.

The only silver lining here is this – the attack can only be used to mess around with your Bluetooth capabilities. It doesn’t facilitate any remote data extractions or malware seeding, so besides the prank an attacker is playing on victims, the data on their iPhone should be completely safe.

How to stay safe

Until Apple comes out with a security update that patches this vulnerability, Van der Ham explains that the only way to stay clear of it is by turning off your Bluetooth when on the move.

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Simply tapping on your Bluetooth toggle on the control centre won’t cut it either. Instead, you will have to long press on it till you reach the Bluetooth Settings page and turn off the Bluetooth toggle from there.

This also means you won’t be able to use devices like Bluetooth speakers, TWS earphones or sync with the Apple Watch during travel, basically beating the purpose of Bluetooth tech. However, should you be facing weird Bluetooth behaviour when out in public, this may be the only way to leave your iPhone usable.