Wi-Fi Networks Can Brick your iOS Device by Exploiting this Date Bug

Not so long ago Apple issued a fix for the January 1, 1970 bug that permanently bricked iPhones. But don’t relax – not yet: Researchers have discovered that a new version of the same date bug can be used to remotely brick all iDevices.

Screen Shot 2016 04 13 at 19 45 04

As described by Krebs on Security (via TNW), the problem is a weakness in how Apple’s iDevices continuously check Network Time Protocol servers. Simply put, it’s due to the way your iPhone automatically reconnects to a Wi-Fi network you have previously manually configured to connect – such as the Wi-Fi network in Starbucks.

For example, to use Starbuck’s free Wi-Fi service, you’ll have to connect to a network called “attwifi”. But once you’ve done that, you won’t ever have to manually connect to a network called “attwifi” ever again. The next time you visit a Starbucks, just pull out your iPad and the device automagically connects.

From an attacker’s perspective, this is a golden opportunity. Why? He only needs to advertise a fake open network called “attwifi” at a spot where large numbers of computer users are known to congregate. Using specialized hardware to amplify his Wi-Fi signal, he can force many users to connect to his (evil) “attwifi” hotspot. From there, he can attempt to inspect, modify or redirect any network traffic for any iPads or other devices that unwittingly connect to his evil network.

The researchers used their networking knowledge and exploited this by forcing all connected devices (to a fake open network) to draw NTP updates from a compromised server, which set the time and date to the infamous January 1, 1970.

The result: the iDevices connected rebooted and “began to slowly self-destruct”, Krebs on Security writes.

YouTube video

If you don’t want someone to remotely brick your iPhone or iPad upgrade to iOS 9.3.1.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.