Israeli researchers present a possible attack scenario that leverages replacement parts to carry out attacks on smartphones and other smart devices. The attack relies on the assumption that a malicious third-party is in the position of mass-manufacturing electronic spare parts that contain an additional chip for intercepting a device’s inner communications. Researchers proved their theoretical attack true by building malicious spare parts and using them to take over a test smartphone. The research team presented their work at the recently concluded USENIX W00T ’17 security conference.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/secret-chips-can-be-hidden-in-replacement-parts-to-spy-and-take-over-smartphones/