iOS’ USB Restricted Mode “Loophole”

Everyone seems to be trying to point out this “loophole” as a huge deal, getting in the way of the new feature in iOS 11.4.1 that disables the USB port for anything but charging if the device has been locked for more than an hour (or S.O.S. mode is activated on the device).

The “loophole” that people are calling a flaw is that if certain Lightning-connecting accessories are connected within the one-hour window, the timer is stopped. This does not apply to all lightning accessories, as the Lightning-to-3.5mm jack accessory does not reset the count. Apple’s Lightning-to-USB 3 Camera Adapter, however, is one of the accessories that stop the countdown. This makes perfect sense, as it allows the user to connect an accessory without the need to unlock first. If the device is in a pocket, then said accessory can just be connected. It would be one thing if Lightning accessories were trusted the same way as computers are, but that is not the case here. There is no cryptographic key exchange when connecting accessories so the device doesn’t know one accessory from another, without manufacturers making changes to their products.

This is a great step forward, making it much more difficult for attackers & warrant-skipping authorities from having virtually unlimited time to try & crack a device. Here I’m specifically thinking of the GrayKey device & any other services offered by shady companies for unlocking iOS devices.