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Apple’s Find My network is widely praised for its ability to help users track their devices and accessories, such as AirTags. However, a recent investigation by researchers at George Mason University has revealed a significant exploit that could potentially allow hackers to track any Bluetooth device through this network, raising serious concerns about privacy and security.
Researchers discovered a method to turn any Bluetooth-enabled device, like a smartphone or laptop, into a covert tracking tool akin to an AirTag. This exploit allows attackers to remotely monitor the device’s location without the owner’s knowledge. The Find My network operates by sending Bluetooth signals from devices like AirTags to nearby Apple devices, which then relay location data anonymously through Apple’s servers. By exploiting vulnerabilities in the system, the researchers demonstrated that they could track any Bluetooth device by finding the appropriate cryptographic keys.
Using a vast array of GPUs, the team achieved a staggering 90% success rate in their key-matching efforts, enabling them to pinpoint device locations within a mere 10 feet. Their experiments included tracking the movements of a bicycle through city streets and reconstructing a person’s flight path by monitoring their gaming console. Despite the existence of anti-stalking features, this exploit highlights a dangerous oversight in Apple’s security framework.
In July 2024, the researchers alerted Apple to the vulnerability, urging the company to implement better verification processes for Bluetooth devices within the Find My network. While Apple acknowledged the researchers’ findings, the company has yet to implement a fix, and it could take years for a comprehensive solution to be rolled out. In the meantime, users are advised to limit unnecessary Bluetooth access requested by apps and to keep their device software up to date to mitigate potential risks.
What Undercode Says:
The findings from George Mason University underscore a critical vulnerability in Apple’s security infrastructure, particularly within the Find My network. This exploit, dubbed “nRootTag,” is alarming not just for its technical implications but also for the broader ramifications it poses for user privacy.
The use of hundreds of GPUs to crack cryptographic keys highlights the increasing sophistication of hacking techniques and the lengths to which cybercriminals will go to exploit system weaknesses. With a success rate of 90%, the implications of this exploit are dire, allowing malicious actors to track individuals without their consent. The ability to reconstruct a person’s movements raises significant ethical concerns, particularly for those who may be targets of stalking or harassment.
Apple’s initial response to the discovery is a reminder of the challenges that large technology companies face in addressing security vulnerabilities. While the company has acknowledged the exploit and its researchers, the lack of a timely fix is concerning. As users become increasingly reliant on technology for everyday tasks, the potential for privacy breaches rises.
In a world where data privacy is paramount, Apple must prioritize updates to its security protocols to ensure that users can trust their devices. The recommended practices for users—limiting Bluetooth access and keeping devices updated—are essential but should not replace the need for robust security measures at the corporate level.
As cyber threats continue to evolve,
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/26/exploit-find-my-track-devices/
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