Apple can create a file to reset the flash password (it does not require tampering with the physical flash chip). This password reset file is RSA signed, so thi

Apple can create a file to reset the flash password (it does not require tampering with the physical flash chip). This password reset file is RSA signed, so third parties can't create one from scratch unless they have stolen Apple's private key (unlikely), or have contacts inside Apple willing to make the file for them (more likely—all it takes is one unscrupulous employee with access to the reset file generation program).