Flipper Zero with Xtreme Firmware: A Tiny Tool with a Big Bite ☠ (2024)

Jared George | October 25, 2023

Today we're talking about the Flipper Zero 🐬, a portable wireless pen-testing and hacking tool that can be used to launch Bluetooth spam attacks against Apple iOS 📱, Android 🤖, and Windows 🖥️ devices.

So how does it work? Well, the Flipper Zero can send out a large number of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising packets 📢 or connection requests 🔗 to a target device 🎯. This can overwhelm the device's Bluetooth stack 📡, causing it to become unresponsive 😳 or even crash 💥.

This type of attack is particularly effective against mobile devices 📱📱📱, because they typically have less powerful Bluetooth stacks than desktop computers 🖥️ or laptops 💻. Additionally, mobile devices are often used in public places 🏙️, where they are more likely to be in range of an attacker's Flipper Zero 🐬.

What is a Flipper Zero?

You may be asking, “What is The Flipper Zero?”. Well, it is a portable pen-testing and hacking tool that can be used to interact with a wide variety of electronic devices. It is equipped with a variety of sensors and actuators, including a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, a near-field communication (NFC) reader, an infrared (IR) blaster, and a GPIO interface. This allows the Flipper Zero to be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as:

• Reverse engineering:The Flipper Zero can be used to reverse engineer the protocols used by electronic devices. This information can then be used to develop new tools and exploits.
• Testing:The Flipper Zero can be used to test the security of electronic devices and networks. This can help to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited by attackers.
• Automation:The Flipper Zero can be used to automate tasks, such as opening and closing doors, controlling smart devices, and hacking into computer systems.

The Flipper Zero is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. However, it is important to note that it can also be used for malicious purposes, such as launching attacks against electronic devices and networks.

What is Xtreme firmware?

Xtreme firmware is a custom firmware for the Flipper Zero that adds a number of new features and functionality, including the ability to:

• Spam Bluetooth devices:Xtreme firmware can be used to spam Bluetooth devices with pairing requests and advertising packets. This can overwhelm the target device, causing it to become unresponsive or even crash.
• Emulate RFID tags:Xtreme firmware can be used to emulate RFID tags. This can be used to gain unauthorized access to buildings and other secure areas.
• Control Sub-GHz devices:Xtreme firmware can be used to control Sub-GHz devices, such as garage door openers and security systems. This can be used to attack these devices or to gain unauthorized access to them.

Xtreme firmware is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, both legitimate and malicious. It is important to use Xtreme responsibly and only for legitimate purposes.

Why is Flipper Zero with Xtreme firmware a crazy thing?

The Flipper Zero is already a powerful tool, but Xtreme firmware takes it to the next level. By adding the ability to spam Bluetooth devices, emulate RFID tags, and control Sub-GHz devices, Xtreme firmware makes the Flipper Zero a one-stop shop for attackers.

Here are just a few examples of the kinds of attacks that can be carried out with a Flipper Zero running Xtreme firmware:

• Denial-of-service attacks:A Flipper Zero can be used to launch denial-of-service attacks against Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This can disrupt the availability of these devices and make them unusable.
• Phishing attacks:A Flipper Zero can be used to spoof the names of trusted Bluetooth devices. This can be used to trick users into connecting to malicious devices, which could then be used to steal their data or launch other attacks.
• Unauthorized access:A Flipper Zero can be used to emulate RFID tags in order to gain unauthorized access to buildings and other secure areas.
• Attack on Sub-GHz devices:A Flipper Zero can be used to attack Sub-GHz devices, such as garage door openers and security systems. This could be used to disable these devices or to gain unauthorized control of them.

The Flipper Zero is a powerful tool, and Xtreme firmware makes it even more powerful. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of this combination and to take steps to protect yourself from attack.

Tips for protecting yourself from Flipper Zero attacks

Here are a few tips for protecting yourself from Flipper Zero attacks:

• Keep your Bluetooth turned off when you are not using it.
• Be careful about pairing with unknown Bluetooth devices.
• Only install apps and services from trusted sources.
• Keep your software up to date.
• Consider using a VPN to encrypt your traffic when using Bluetooth-enabled devices in public places.

If you believe that your device has been affected by a Flipper Zero attack, you should restart your device and check for any signs of compromise, such as unauthorized apps or services installed on your device. You should also change your passwords for any accounts that you may have used while your device was affected.

Conclusion

The Flipper Zero is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, both legitimate and malicious. Xtreme firmware makes the Flipper Zero even more powerful by adding the ability to spam Bluetooth devices, emulate RFID tags, and control Sub-GHz devices. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of this combination and to take steps to protect yourself from attack.

This has been pretty “Doom and Gloom” but its important to note this is just a negative use of the Flipper. You should check out their website for more information. The Flipper Zero costs about $200 and can be purchased from the official Flipper Zero website, https://flipperzero.one/.It is important to note that the Flipper Zero is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and bad, BUT it is important to use the Flipper Zero responsibly and only for legitimate purposes.

What do you think of the flipper? Have you used one yet?