In the fascinating world of cybersecurity tools, Flipper Zero stands out for its versatility and power. Among its many capabilities is the function of acting as a bad USB. Today, I’m exploring a unique application of this feature: turning Flipper Zero into a “bad charger” that launches my blog on an iPhone once connected.

Disclaimer: It’s crucial to emphasize that the following demonstration is purely educational. Unauthorized use of such techniques on devices without consent is not only unethical but also illegal.

Understanding the “Bad Charger” Concept

The idea of a “bad charger” extends from the bad USB principle. Typically, when we plug our phones into a USB charger, we’re only expecting a charge. However, a “bad charger” disguises itself as a regular charger while executing hidden commands on the connected device.

The Experiment: Script for iOS

The script I created for this experiment automates opening Safari and navigating to my blog on a connected iPhone. Here’s a breakdown of the script:

REM Mimic pressing the home button
GUI h
REM Add a half-second pause
DELAY 500
REM Open the iPhone search function
GUI SPACE
REM Brief wait for the action to register
DELAY 500
REM Type out safari
STRING safari
REM Open the Safari browser
ENTER
REM Wait for Safari to launch
DELAY 1000
REM Select the address bar
GUI L
REM Enter my blogs URL
STRING wiggels.dev
REM Execute the command to navigate to the website
ENTER

Why Should You Care?

While the experiment demonstrates the capability to automate the opening of a browser and navigate to a specific website, this technology in the hands of a bad actor could have far more nefarious applications. Potential misuse includes:

Data Theft: A bad actor could modify the script to access and exfiltrate sensitive information such as contacts, messages, photos, or login credentials stored on the device.

Installation of Malware: The script could be adapted to download and install malware, which could range from spyware to ransomware, leading to significant security breaches.

Phishing Attacks/Credential Harvesting: The device could be directed to a malicious website disguised as a legitimate one, tricking the user into entering sensitive information.

Device Compromise: The script could be used to exploit vulnerabilities in the device’s operating system or installed applications, leading to a full compromise of the device.

The “Bad Charger” concept, while intriguing, walks a fine line between innovative use of technology and potential misuse. It is a powerful reminder of the ethical and legal responsibilities that come with knowledge in cybersecurity. Unauthorized use of such techniques can lead to serious repercussions.