A new study reveals how a simple device can manipulate the charging process and cause your phone to overheat or burst into flames.
Wireless chargers are convenient and easy to use, but they could also pose a serious fire hazard if hacked by malicious actors. A team of security experts from the University of Florida and CertiK, a security audit company, has discovered a novel type of cyberattack that targets wireless chargers and their devices. They call it a “VoltSchemer” attack, which involves attaching a small device to the AC adapter of the wireless charger.
The researchers have identified three possible scenarios of VoltSchemer attacks. First, a hacker could use the device to send inaudible voice commands to the phone’s voice assistant and execute malicious actions such as stealing information or making unauthorized purchases. Second, a hacker could damage the phone or the charger by causing them to overheat or explode.
However, this communication system is not secure and can be easily disrupted by a VoltSchemer device. The device can spoof the signals from the phone and make the charger think it needs more power than it does. The charger then increases its power output, and the phone receives more energy than it can handle. This can lead to a dangerous situation where the phone’s battery or circuitry could overheat or catch fire.
The researchers tested several wireless chargers and phones from different brands and models, finding that they were all vulnerable to VoltSchemer attacks. They also demonstrated the feasibility of the attacks by creating a prototype of the VoltSchemer device, which costs less than $10 and can be easily hidden or disguised.server and have notified the manufacturers of the wireless chargers and phones about the security flaws.
They also suggest some possible countermeasures, such as encrypting the communication between the charger and the phone, adding physical or software switches to the charger to limit the power output, and improving the phone's and the charger's thermal management. They also advise users to be careful when using wireless chargers and to avoid using them in public places or near flammable materials.
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