“SpecialisRevelio!” Macs use Harry Potter spell to unlock secret “backdoor”

SweX · May 20, 2013

The Mac on your desk or on the cafe table next to you has a chip with secret functions that can be unlocked only by inputting a spell from the Harry Potter series. The SMC, or system management controller, is a chip used to regulate a Mac's current and voltage, manage its light sensor, and temporarily store FileVault keys. Turns out that the SMC contains undocumented code that is invoked by entering the word "SpecialisRevelio," the same magic words used to reveal hidden charms, hexes, or properties used by wizards in the Harry Potter series written by author J. K. Rowling.

Of course attacks that involve reflashing the firmware require a hacker to have physical access to the targeted Mac. That means they could be carried out only when the Mac was confiscated or secretly accessed by hotel housekeeper or other clandestine agent. Another caveat: Ionescu also said that many of the holes he found in the SMC were plugged with the release of the Mountain Lion version of OS X.........
Click to expand...

http://arstechnica.com/security/201...harry-potter-spell-to-unlock-secret-backdoor/

safeguy · May 20, 2013

Cool. If anything, I want a Mac now.

P.S. Harry Potter fan.

Log in or Sign up

“SpecialisRevelio!” Macs use Harry Potter spell to unlock secret “backdoor”

SweX Registered Member

safeguy Registered Member

Log in or Sign up

“SpecialisRevelio!” Macs use Harry Potter spell to unlock secret “backdoor”

SweX Registered Member

safeguy Registered Member

Useful Searches