Hardware security firm Ledger has disclosed a critical vulnerability within a widely used smartphone chip, enabling what it describes as an “unstoppable attack.” According to the company’s research team, they successfully demonstrated the ability to gain “full and absolute control” over a mobile device by exploiting the chip with targeted electromagnetic pulses. This method effectively bypasses standard hardware security measures, posing a significant threat to device integrity and user data. The findings highlight a fundamental weakness in a component common across the mobile industry, suggesting that many devices could be susceptible to similar physical attacks. Ledger’s report underscores the persistent challenges in securing hardware against sophisticated intrusion techniques, emphasizing the need for enhanced protective measures at the silicon level. The disclosure is expected to prompt urgent reviews by manufacturers and security experts aiming to mitigate such risks in future hardware designs.
