The Rise of Rogue Connections: Unveiling the Dangers of Fake Offline Mode

Naked Security “Snakes in airplane mode” – what if your phone says it’s offline but isn’t?

Introduction

The concept of “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) can be deceiving when it comes to our smartphones. A recent study conducted by researchers at Apple device management company Jamf has uncovered a mobile tampering technique called “fake airplane mode,” which allows attackers to maintain connectivity on an iPhone while displaying visual clues that imply the device is offline. This discovery raises concerns about the potential for data leakage and unauthorized access to personal information. While the attack requires the implantation of rogue software onto the iPhone, the possibility of scammers and spyware peddlers attempting to hide “fake airplane” treachery within seemingly harmless apps is cause for further alarm. As users become increasingly concerned about their data privacy and security, it is essential to understand the intricacies of this attack and take appropriate measures to protect ourselves.

The Mechanics of “Fake Airplane” Mode

The “fake airplane” mode attack works by manipulating the appearance and reality of the device’s connectivity. Typically, when users activate airplane mode on their iPhone, the aircraft icon turns orange, and all three radio communication icons (mobile, wireless, and Bluetooth) turn grey, indicating disconnection from the internet. However, the researchers at Jamf discovered several sneaky tricks to create the illusion of airplane mode while keeping the mobile network operational. They intercepted the API call triggered by tapping on the aircraft icon in the Control Center screen, making it appear as if airplane mode was activated while only turning off Wi-Fi but not the mobile network. They also reconfigured the browser to block the app from using mobile data connections, giving the false impression that the entire device was disconnected. Additionally, they dimmed the mobile data icon to create the illusion that it was disabled when, in fact, it remained active.

The Implications and Dangers

While the “fake airplane” mode attack does not directly snoop on or steal private data from other apps, its potential for misuse is concerning. Attackers could use this technique to deceive users into believing that their device is offline when it is not, allowing unauthorized access to personal information and potentially enabling attacks such as data exfiltration or even full device takeover. The fact that even Apple’s App Store, which is supposed to be a secure platform, can fall victim to malware highlights the need for increased vigilance. Scammers and spyware peddlers may attempt to exploit this vulnerability by hiding “fake airplane” treachery within seemingly innocuous apps, bypassing App Store verification and putting unsuspecting users at risk.

Protecting Yourself

While the “fake airplane” mode attack is a cause for concern, there are measures users can take to protect themselves. The researchers at Jamf found that the tricks they discovered only worked when changes were made via the Control Center swipe-up screen. By going directly to the Settings page, users can accurately control and check the Airplane Mode setting, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Mobile Data configurations. It is essential to perform a direct connection test using the Settings page rather than relying on the browser or Control Center. This extra step ensures that users have a more reliable indication of their device’s connectivity status.

Conclusion

The discovery of the “fake airplane” mode attack highlights the vulnerabilities that exist within our smartphones and the potential for manipulation of our perception of connectivity. As technology continues to evolve, so do the techniques employed by attackers. It is crucial for users to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves. By staying informed about the latest threats, verifying device settings directly, and exercising caution while downloading apps, users can enhance their internet security and reduce the risks associated with such attacks.