Critical Apple CPU Side-Channel Flaws Steal Browser Data

2025-01-28
Critical Apple CPU Side-Channel Flaws Steal Browser Data

Researchers have uncovered new side-channel vulnerabilities, FLOP and SLAP, in Apple's M-series and A-series processors. These flaws allow remote attackers to steal sensitive data from web browsers via malicious websites, bypassing browser sandboxing. The vulnerabilities stem from faulty speculative execution, exploiting the CPU's mispredictions to leak information like emails, location history, and more. Apple is aware and plans to address the issue, but patches aren't yet available. Disabling JavaScript is a temporary mitigation, but impacts website functionality.