Security researchers from Tencent have devised a technique, dubbed BadPower, to alter the firmware of fast chargers to cause damage to connected systems or cause the device to catch fire.
“Tencent Security Xuanwu Lab discovered a new type of safety problem in some fast charging (hereinafter referred to as fast charging) products and named it “BadPower”.” reads the post published by Tencent.
“Using BadPower, an attacker can hack into devices such as chargers that support fast charging technology, causing the intruded device to output an excessively high voltage when powering externally, resulting in breakdown and burning of the components of the powered device, and even further damage to the powered device. The physical environment where the equipment is located creates a safety hazard.”
