Security researchers have published the proof-of-concept exploit, dubbed "usbliter8", which targets a vulnerability in Apple's BootROM, the unalterable code that runs before iOS starts loading. Since BootROM is permanently etched into a chip during the manufacturing process, researchers said that vulnerabilities discovered at this level cannot be fixed through software updates. The newly disclosed exploit is said to affect devices ranging from the iPhone XS lineup to the iPhone 11 series, along with several iPad models powered by the A12 and A13 SoCs.