Skip to main content

Apple’s M1 chip has a flaw, but you shouldn’t worry

Apple’s M1 chip has revitalized its Mac lineup, but a developer has discovered a flaw they say is “baked into Apple Silicon chips, and cannot be fixed without a new silicon revision.” There is probably no need to worry, though, as the same researcher says the impact of this flaw is negligible.

The exploit allows two apps to pass data between them without the use of files, memory, or any of the other regular ways data is exchanged in an operating system, says Hector Martin, the developer who found the flaw. It can even pass things between users and across privilege levels.

Recommended Videos

Martin warns that this defect is part of all Apple Silicon chips and cannot be remedied without Apple addressing the issue in future silicon designs. In other words, Apple cannot simply release a patch or get users to update their Macs to fix things. And since iPhone chips are also based on Apple Silicon, they too are affected (although Apple’s App Store should snuff out apps that use this exploit automatically, says Martin).

No need to panic

Still, Martin is careful to explain that the risks to ordinary users are minimal. In a Q&A section on his website dedicated to the exploit, Martin outlines exactly what it can and cannot do:

Can malware use this vulnerability to take over my computer?
No.

Can malware use this vulnerability to steal my private information?
No.

Can malware use this vulnerability to rickroll me?
Yes. I mean, it could also rickroll you without using it.

Can this be exploited from JavaScript on a website?
No.

So, what can it be used to do? Advertising companies could potentially use this to bypass Apple’s cross-app tracking protections, but that is about it, says Martin. He is blunt about its malicious uses: “Really, nobody’s going to actually find a nefarious use for this flaw in practical circumstances.”

In fact, Martin says the whole purpose of his website is to “[Poke] fun at how ridiculous infosec clickbait vulnerability reporting has become lately. Just because it has a flashy website or it makes the news doesn’t mean you need to care.”

So if you have an M1 Mac, there is no need to panic. Apple is aware of the bug and is likely working on a fix, but it is unlikely this exploit will cause any sort of widespread disruption. As Martin explains, bad actors have plenty of other, more efficient ways to cause trouble. Getting an antivirus app on your Mac and exercising good common sense will go a long way to keeping you protected.

Alex Blake
Alex Blake has been working with Digital Trends since 2019, where he spends most of his time writing about Mac computers…
Here’s why Apple’s C1 modem is good news for future MacBook battery life
The screen of the MacBook Air M2.

Back in 2008, Steve Jobs said that Apple had thought about adding a 3G modem to its laptops to give them wireless capabilities without needing a Wi-Fi connection. Yet the company eventually gave up on the idea because the chips would take up too much space inside Apple’s famously tightly packed laptops. For years, the idea seemed dead in the water.

Now, it could finally come to fruition 20 years after Jobs’ candid claim. It’s a remarkable turn of events and could bring numerous benefits to MacBook users.

Read more
Apple’s AI-focused M5 chip enters mass production
MacBook Pro with M4

Apple has begun the mass production of its M5 chip, which is set to power next-generation products, including the upcoming Mac series and iPad. Coinciding with long-standing reports, the Cupertino-based tech brand is establishing a new node process for packaging the semiconductor. The technology is intended to provide improved AI performance on the devices it powers, according to ETnews.

Industry sources told the Korean publication that Apple began packaging the M5 chip last month. Taiwan's TSMC began the initial production of the M5 chip circuit using its 3nm process (N3P). The technology is expected to improve the power efficiency of the M5 chip by between 5% and 10%, and performance by 5% in comparison to the previous M4 chip, which will aid in improving AI performance on upcoming Mac and iPad models.

Read more
Apple M5: Everything we know about Apple’s next-generation chip
A person uses an Apple Mac Studio and a Studio Display monitor at a desk.

With a new MacBook Air just around the corner, Apple is still in the process of rolling out its range of M4 chips. But that hasn’t stopped speculation mounting about the upcoming M5 chip -- which is due to arrive later this year -- along with all of the benefits it might bring.

Wondering what that might entail? You’re in the right place, as we’ve put together everything we know about Apple’s M5 chip, from the Macs it’ll come to and the performance you can expect to what’s rumored for the high-end chips in the M5 roster. Read on to get the lowdown.
Price and release date

Read more