Android Bug Threatens Millions of Users
Attackers can compromise an Android phone just by sending a text message
Security researchers at Zimperium zLabs have uncovered a flaw that might affect up to 950 million Android smartphones. The Stagefright bug allows an attacker to inject malicious code into an Android device using a video text message. The message recipient does not have to play the video for the attack to succeed.
A carefully crafted video file will trigger a bug in the Stagefright library, which plays a role in creating a preview version of the video. The attack uses memory corruption to get control of the Android device without the user's knowledge. The attacker can then inject additional malware, export user information, or even hijack the phone's camera and microphone to spy on the user.
The problem affects almost all versions of Android, from version 2.2 through the current version 5.1. If you are running Android 4.1 “Jellybean” or later, the sandbox system provides some isolation that limits, but does not prevent, the attack. Phones older than Android 2.2 are wide open.
Google has already patched the problem. Android users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.