Apple makes official statement on alleged wireless MacBook hack
Apple makes official statement on alleged wireless MacBook hack
Apple has finally issued a public statement on the alleged "MacBook Wireless Hack" -- a video that was publicly exposed at the Black Hat security conference purportedly showing a standard MacBook (with a third-party wireless card) being compromised by a Dell laptop within wireless range.
As we previously reported, the security flaw exploited in the video is performed using a third-party, USB-based Wi-Fi card, not the MacBook's native, built-in AirPort hardware/software. However, the creators of the video claim that the MacBook's hardware is similarly susceptible, but no demonstration was carried out using the native hardware due to "pressure" from Apple.
We also previously stated that without an explanation of the actual exploit, and in the absence of any commentary from Apple, it is impossible to speculate whether or not the MacBook's native hardware is actually vulnerable to this flaw as claimed.
Apple's statement echoes our own sentiments.
Speaking to InformationWeek, Apple spokesperson Lynn Fox says:
"Despite SecureWorks being quoted saying the Mac is threatened by the exploit demonstrated at Black Hat, they have provided no evidence that in fact it is. To the contrary, the SecureWorks demonstration used a third party USB 802.11 device not the 802.11 hardware in the Mac a device which uses a different chip and different software drivers than those on the Mac. To date, SecureWorks has not shared or demonstrated any code in relation to the Black Hat-demonstrated exploit that is relevant to the hardware and software that we ship."
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