Researchers demonstrate InjectEave: A technique to intercept audio through walls

Researchers from HKUST (Guangzhou) and HK PolyU have unveiled 'InjectEave,' a sophisticated eavesdropping technique capable of extracting audio from headphones, desk phones, and smart-home devices. By beaming a radio carrier signal at a target, the method forces internal circuits to leak analog audio, bypassing digital encryption measures. While the research team achieved a maximum range of 30 meters, this required specialized, high-powered equipment. In more common scenarios, the effective range is significantly shorter, typically between 1 and 6 meters. The attack exploits nonlinear components in hardware, such as amplifiers and power converters, to radiate audio signals back to a receiver. Although the findings highlight a significant vulnerability in consumer electronics, the practical implementation remains constrained by the need for high-powered transmitters and prior profiling of target devices. The researchers have disclosed these findings to manufacturers but have yet to receive a response regarding potential mitigations.