JLo

A pair of hackers show off a new technique for breaking into computers via flaws in wireless drivers shipped on Windows and Mac systems.

Wi-Fi-enabled computers are sitting ducks for code execution attacks because of gaping flaws in wireless drivers shipped on both Mac and Windows systems, security researchers warned at the Black Hat Briefings security conference.

A pair of hackers—David Maynor and Jon Ellch—demonstrated such a break-in on an Apple MacBook laptop fitted with a wireless card that was broadcasting its presence to another computer set up as an access point.

JLo

During the demonstration, the researchers were able to take complete control of the MacBook via a specific vulnerability in the device driver code that sits between the operating system and the wireless card.

JLo

Maynor and Ellch did not release details or exploit code for the flaw, which affects a wide range of Wi-Fi card manufacturers. The researchers have notified the affected companies and are working closely to identify the vulnerable code.

kitkat86

At least they are being cool about it, and working with the companies to try and fix the problem. That and not realizing any of the data, so anybody and his dog can use the flaw.