This past week, the mobile security firm Zimperium discovered a major vulnerability within the Android operating system. This vulnerability, nicknamed Stagefright, has the potential to impact around 950 million Android devices. This exploit is unique in that users do not have to do anything in order for the malicious code to be downloaded to their phones. Once a hacker has gained access, they can completely take over your phone, from stealing or deleting your data, to turning on your camera and microphone. Morning Edition on NPR has a good explanation of both the vulnerability and challenges with this security threat: Major Flaw In Android Phones Would Let Hackers In With Just A Text
- How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Without
- How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Protection
- How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Prank
- How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Attacks
- How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Windows 10
How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Without
Several smartphone manufactures and wireless carriers have already developed and deployed necessary patches to resolve the issue; others are actively working on a patch release. In the meantime, Android users can defend themselves in the following ways:
Get your head in the right place. I’m going to start out with some tough love: It ain’t about you! Aug 12, 2015 Android has a massive security bug in a component known as “Stagefright.” Just receiving a malicious MMS message could result in your phone being compromised. It’s surprising we haven’t seen a worm spreading from phone to phone like worms did in the early Windows XP days — all the ingredients are here.
The Stagefright media playback tool in Android has a vulnerability that allows hackers access to most phones from a text message, but you can defend yourself. The exploit itself can be used to deliver malware, but if it does, you ought to be able to find that malware with an Android anti-virus. (Ours is free; see the “free tools” links below.). How to stop Android Text Message Virus on Galaxy S6 by disabling Hangout’s ability to retrieve multimedia messages Open Hangouts, then go to Settings and SMS Look for the Advanced section Uncheck the box that says Auto retrieve MMS.
Turn off “Auto Retrieve MMS” in all messaging apps
The scariest part of this particular vulnerability is that the user does not need to open the message for the virus to be activated. Many androids are set to automatically download images and videos within messaging apps, the virus is automatically downloaded upon receipt. To avoid this, the Office of Information Security (OIS) recommends turning off “Auto Retrieve MMS” in all messaging apps. Instructions can be found on the Digital Trends website.
The scariest part of this particular vulnerability is that the user does not need to open the message for the virus to be activated. Many androids are set to automatically download images and videos within messaging apps, the virus is automatically downloaded upon receipt. To avoid this, the Office of Information Security (OIS) recommends turning off “Auto Retrieve MMS” in all messaging apps. Instructions can be found on the Digital Trends website.
Enable automatic updates
Turning on automatic updates will ensure that patches are installed as soon as they are released. Patches are targeted at known vulnerabilities, so automatic updates help you to protect yourself from security threats. In fact, a recent security study done by Google found that the top practice recommended by security experts was installing software updates.
Turning on automatic updates will ensure that patches are installed as soon as they are released. Patches are targeted at known vulnerabilities, so automatic updates help you to protect yourself from security threats. In fact, a recent security study done by Google found that the top practice recommended by security experts was installing software updates.
![Get Get](/uploads/1/1/9/3/119372927/956622432.jpg)
Never play a video multimedia text message (MMS) from anyone you do not recognize
Stagefright happens when message containing a video with embedded malicious code is received. As with emails, you should never click on any links or images in text messages from people you do not know. Remember, regardless whether it is an email or text message, opening messages from people you do not know can be dangerous.
Stagefright happens when message containing a video with embedded malicious code is received. As with emails, you should never click on any links or images in text messages from people you do not know. Remember, regardless whether it is an email or text message, opening messages from people you do not know can be dangerous.
Questions or concerns? Please contact the Office of Information Security at [email protected].
For the latest news on security issues, visit the Office of Information Security website or follow SecureNU on Twitter. To stay updated with all things tech-related, please visit the ITS website or follow NortheasternITS on Twitter.
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Related links:
ZDNet – Stagefright: Just how scary is it for Android users?
Twilio – How to Protect Your Android Phone From the Stagefright Bug
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Related links:
ZDNet – Stagefright: Just how scary is it for Android users?
Twilio – How to Protect Your Android Phone From the Stagefright Bug
The Stagefright vulnerabilityhas been one of the hottest topics of discussion in the security industry since it was announced. In order to provide a detailed insight into the vulnerability and ease of exploitation, zLabs VP of Platform Research and Exploitation, Joshua Drake (@jduck) prepared the video below that demonstrates the attack.
How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Protection
You can watch the Stagefright demo video on ICS here: https://youtu.be/PxQc5gOHnKs
Zimperium launched ‘Zimperium Handset Alliance’ (ZHA) on August 1, 2015 to share mobile security threat information to accelerate the availability of threat mitigations and updates. Over 25 of the largest global carriers and device manufacturers are already part of the Alliance. The strong interest in Zimperium Handset Alliance from mobile ecosystem partners is a clear indication of the critical need to exchange relevant threat information and provideupdate mobile devices as quickly as possible to protect customers. Zimperium is proud to drive this change.
- CVE-2015-1538, P0006, Google Stagefright ‘stsc’ MP4 Atom Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-1538, P0004, Google Stagefright ‘ctts’ MP4 Atom Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-1538, P0004, Google Stagefright ‘stts’ MP4 Atom Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-1538, P0004, Google Stagefright ‘stss’ MP4 Atom Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-1539, P0007, Google Stagefright ‘esds’ MP4 Atom Integer Underflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-3827, P0008, Google Stagefright ‘covr’ MP4 Atom Integer Underflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-3826, P0009, Google Stagefright 3GPP Metadata Buffer Overread
- CVE-2015-3828, P0010, Google Stagefright 3GPP Integer Underflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-3824, P0011, Google Stagefright ‘tx3g’ MP4 Atom Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2015-3829, P0012, Google Stagefright ‘covr’ MP4 Atom Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution
POC files are attached –
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zhafiles/Zimperium-Handset-Alliance/ZHA-Crash-PoC.zip
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zhafiles/Zimperium-Handset-Alliance/ZHA-Crash-PoC.zip
Stagefright Patches are available here –
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zhafiles/Zimperium-Handset-Alliance/ZHA-Stagefright-Patches.zip
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zhafiles/Zimperium-Handset-Alliance/ZHA-Stagefright-Patches.zip
Samsung released an app that allows users to disable MMS on their devices. We would like to thank the KNOX group for working closely with Zimperium Handset Alliance to solve this issue on older devices. The Samsung MMS control app can be downloaded from: https://s3.amazonaws.com/zhafiles/Zimperium-Handset-Alliance/Samsung_KNOX_and_ZHA_ap_MMSCtrl.apk
We are working with carriers and device vendors to design solutions to protect users that do not currently have Zimperium zIPS on their phones.
Today Zimperium launched the ‘Stagefright detector App’ for Android users to test if their device is vulnerable. The app is available for download on the Android store. Download link: http://adf.ly/1MAFna
- See more at: https://blog.zimperium.com/stagefright-vulnerability-details-stagefright-detector-tool-released/#sthash.bySQ3Wzv.dpuf - See more at: https://blog.zimperium.com/stagefright-vulnerability-details-stagefright-detector-tool-released/#sthash.bySQ3Wzv.dpuf
How it works
How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Prank
If targeted, the hypothetical hacker needs only to send an MMS message, which in many cases doesn't even need to be read before the attacker gains access to the victim's microphone and camera. The file will contain malicious code that executes by taking advantage of the problems in the Stagefright codebase. In the worst case, Zimperium says, the attacker could remove any trace of the offending MMS before the end user is even made aware that one is received.
When MMS content is automatically downloaded, as is the default setting in Hangouts and many other applications, the owner of the phone doesn't have to interact with the message at all for malicious code to get privileged access in the system. There are several variables at this point in the process that affect just how much damage can be done.
![How to get rid of stagefright virus removal How to get rid of stagefright virus removal](/uploads/1/1/9/3/119372927/258119507.jpg)
Zimperium's lead researcher Josh Drake warns that a sophisticated attacker could take advantage of the weaknesses used for Towelroot and PingPongRoot to wreak even more havoc in devices running firmware that doesn't include those patches.
Google has emphasized the 'sandboxing' that occurs in Android as an effective method of protecting users, which it is. Apps in general can only interact via certain vectors as a way to prevent one piece of malware from stealing or altering data in others. This mostly holds true with the Stagefright exploit, but all bets are off if root access is gained. The attacker will have more privileges than the messaging app sandbox would normally allow, too.
A point of emphasis is that this is not a Messages/Hangouts/MMS bug. The weakness is in the part of the OS known as Stagefright which handles media playback and could be exploited in multiple ways. The MMS message is simply the easiest way for a hacker to target a particular person without the victim having any way to defend his or herself.
The nitty gritty details still haven't been revealed in full to avoid very explicitly handing instructions to hackers, but they will be discussed at a conference in the coming days, as is accepted practice in the security community.
Who is vulnerable
At this point, fortunately, it isn't believed that any hackers have been capitalizing on this vulnerability. With that said, updates have reached exceedingly few devices at this point in time. All but the absolute newest builds of Android 5.1.1 could be exploited, but over time patches will reach builds as old as KitKat.
Having older software is no use either, as users with Gingerbread 2.2 and possibly even before aren't safe. In fact, experts warn, 2.x builds are the most vulnerable since there are so many known methods for the attacker to gain root access.
Zimperium estimates that 95% of Android users have some portion of the Stagefright security holes. That does not mean that 95% will be targeted, since it is far from the type of thing the novice hacker would have the know-how to implement.
This shouldn't cause a mass panic, but it nonetheless is a big problem for Android in general. There is some safety in numbers, so you don't need to feel like you're about to be hacked, but this is a serious big picture issue.
How it is being fixed
Josh Drake told Google about the problems privately in April. There are several patches now included in all OS versions from KitKat 4.4 and onward, but very few end user phones are protected at this point.
This brings into further focus the problems of OEM and carrier control over software updates, since it is likely to be a long time before devices receive patches if they ever do.
According to Ars Technica, though, the Nexus 5 running 5.1.1 is still fully exploitable and the Nexus 6is only partially patched. Since everyone will be eager to assign blame, it is important to recognize that even Google's own flagships aren't 'fixed' yet in spite of months to take action.PrivatOS, the customized Android version for Silent Circle's Blackphone, is one of few to have already pushed updates. CyanogenMod has implemented Google's patches for the past two weeks of builds. Drake and collaborators also found that Firefox could be penetrated with a similar method, but it has been made safe since v38 (the current stable version is v39).
What users can do
In many ways, unfortunately, you're helpless. If possible, use a messaging app that allows you to disable automatic downloading of MMS attachments. This is the behavior that allows you to be exploited via a message without you even knowing. You could also consider blocking messages from unknown numbers if your messaging software allows.
Still, as the man who publicized the Stagefright vulnerabilities said, MMS is just one of many ways you can be exploited.
While he hasn't come out and said 'don't use Chrome,' Drake has suggested that Firefox is your best bet to avoid hacking by browser.
By and large, he has been dismissive about suggestions that app makers can protect users because the problem is at the OS level. General suggestions include trying to avoid attempt at social engineering that would trick you into opening malicious messages, files, or websites. Your best bet, though, is convincing those in charge to fix the OS:How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Attacks
How To Get Rid Of Stagefright Virus Windows 10
A Google representative says that security patches will be sent to Nexus devices starting next week
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