Massive Threat: Millions of iPhones, MacBooks Face GPU Security Risk

January 18, 2024

1 minute read

The discovery of a GPU security flaw in particular iPhones and MacBooks comes from Trail of Bits. Researchers emphasize that the risk extends to millions of Apple iPhones and MacBooks, as well as devices housing AMD or Qualcomm chips.

LeftoverLocals, the identified issue, resides in GPU memory dedicated to AI data, utilizing the graphics unit over the SoC. This vulnerability empowers hackers to easily retrieve personal information stored in the local memory of the GPU.

Apple has acknowledged the issue, confirming awareness and issuing patches for devices with the M3 and A17 Bionic chip. However, older models like iPhone 12 Pro, iPads, and M2 MacBook Air remain vulnerable.

AMD, Qualcomm, LeftoverLocals, GPU memory, Personal information, Hackers, M3 or A17 Bionic chip, iPhone 12 Pro, iPads, M2 MacBook Air, Apple — Image credits: wired.com

Devices featuring GPUs from Apple, AMD, Qualcomm, and Imagination are vulnerable to the exploit. Encouragingly, Nvidia, Arm, and Intel remain unharmed, unaffected by this particular security loophole.

As graphics units evolve and take on more tasks, they gain access to increased data. In this instance, hackers can exploit less than 10 lines of code to access uninitialized local memory ranging from 5 MB to 180 MB.

This allows attackers to access data left on the user’s device, encompassing Large Language Models (LLMs) predominantly utilized by generative AI services like ChatGPT.

All companies acknowledging flaws in their units have pledged to resolve the issue by issuing updates. Keep a close watch on your device, and be sure to update it promptly once the fix becomes available.

Source | Source 2

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