This is done by implanting additional components to the standard Lightning cable. The modifications are undetectable, and the modified cables – dubbed O.MG cables – are indistinguishable from the standard ones. Devices the cable is plugged into won’t be able to tell the difference either, until the hacker pulls the trigger.
This update brought to you by the chaos workshop elves: @d3d0c3d, @pry0cc, @clevernyyyy, @JoelSernaMoreno, @evanbooth, @noncetonic, @cnlohr, @RoganDawes More info: https://t.co/kkhUppsqiC#OMGCable pic.twitter.com/fIzOaKJSxL — MG (@MG) April 12, 2019 MG demonstrated this by plugging an O.MG cable into an iPod and a Mac, with both exhibiting expected behaviour. He then types the IP address of the modified cable on his phone’s browser, and is then presented with a list of hacking options. One of these include opening a terminal on the connected Mac. From this demonstration, the O.MG cable emits its own WiFi hotspot. While a direct connection requires a hacker to be within about 90m of the cable, it could also be modified to act as a client for nearby wireless networks. This lets the hacker connect to the O.MG cable from just about anywhere in the world. (Source: MG via Vice)
