Install hidden hardware inside mouse

Dear all

In regard of:
Logitech M500s Advanced Corded Mouse

1.
Can a hacker install cellular, Bluetooth, radio or other type of signal hardware inside the mouse.
So the hacker can use the chosen kind of signal to steal data from the system, that the mouse is connected to.
While also the connection is hidden from Windows and the victim.

2.
What kind of skill level would this require?
NSA-level?
Only the manufacturer could do it?

3.
Are there other theoretical ways / methods, that a hacker can exploit the mouse?

I am not seeking illicit advice.
Through good argumentation, I just want to make sure, that it can't happen to me / highly unlikely.

Thank you

You mean the mouse firmware, the piece of embedded code that makes the mouse work. If you download any new version directly from the manufacturer, you should be safe that it is clean and doesn't contain malware. However, if your mouse works perfectly, I see no reason to install new firmware. The same is true for the manufacturer utility with which you can program (customize) the mouse keys. If your current version works fine, I see no reason to install a newer version. In theory, yes, a hacker could include malware to the mouse firmware or utility and upload in a website he controls for "convenience". I rather spend a little time locating the firmware or utility at manufacturer's official website. I avoid downloading from third-party sites, even well known ones like CNET, Major Geeks, or File Horse. Regarding pairing your mouse with his own laptop and injecting malware, it is not possible. Most Bluetooth devices cannot pair with another device while connected, you have to manually press a special button on the mouse to set it in discovery mode. Assuming he paired, how he would control his computer to inject malicious code? You would move the mouse around making it too hard to do.

As for hidden things, have seen some discussion on the 'net about the possibility of USB cables hiding something that allows spying on what people do, haven't determined how true that is.

Berton said:

As for hidden things, have seen some discussion on the 'net about the possibility of USB cables hiding something that allows spying on what people do, haven't determined how true that is.

Click to expand...

A simple cable, no it can't, but what if there is a tiny circuit somewhere inside the plastic insulation? That's why you should avoid very cheap unknown brands. I don't say to always buy expensive brands, no. Just buy a brand you can trust. Read some reviews on the internet. Here in Greece for example, there are some price comparison sites that list all the shops that sell a specific product, but also have user comments for it. If there is something suspicious they will report it.

I remember reading a story a while back about USB cables with additional "items" installed for potentially nefarious purposes.
Here is a link: USB-C cable CT scan reveals sinister active electronics — O.MG pen testing cable contains a hidden antenna and another die embedded in the microcontroller

So avoid super cheap suspicious cables. A price 2-5€ is OK, depending on brand, less than 2€ is a little suspicious, less than 1€ is a lot suspicious. Over 5€ for 2m is a waste of money, you wont' see any higher transfer speeds than the cheaper brands, don't believe the BS the seller might tell you. The same is true for standard priced HDMI cables vs expensive brands. As long as they are HDMI 2.0 you should see 4K 60Hz, you don't have to buy a cable costing twice that.