Database Users

Android users hit by malware attacks

Tens of thousands of users of Android-based smartphones have downloaded applications capable of taking over their phones with malicious software designed to steal data or send expensive messages, security experts have warned.
Google, the Android developer, has removed 55 such applications from its official Android Marketplace after being alerted to them by amateur and professional researchers.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Inside Technology: Clash of the Tech Titans - Mar-02
Analysis: Telecoms: Downwardly mobile - Feb-24
Chris Nuttall: Sweet taste of Honeycomb - Feb-24
HTC unveils six new Android devices - Feb-15
Operators hoping Nokia will avoid Android - Feb-07
Google’s Android overtakes Nokia’s Symbian - Jan-31
The apps mimicked legitimate programs and carried such names as Chess, Bowling Time and Super Guitar Solo, but allowed the developers to exploit a security flaw in most versions of Android.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/bf3d6002-452e-11e0-80e7-00144feab49a.html#axzz1FaI1uNjN

Google Acknowledges, Handles Malware Issue #Android http://t.co/8miLa4D

This came out on Engadget and several other sites days ago... It's been handled and it gave Apple fanboys a whole lot of fodder. LOL

[APP] FREE Anti virus

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1453695

Why are you creating 2 topics about it?
Had you tested it? How it compare to theoretically best Zoner Antywirus? Tell us some more, than posting links - this is kind of flooding.
For me, this program won't beat Zoner.. for now.
Anyway, I'll test it

Rayman96 said:
Why are you creating 2 topics about it?
Had you tested it? How it compare to theoretically best Zoner Antywirus? Tell us some more, than posting links - this is kind of flooding.
For me, this program won't beat Zoner.. for now.
Anyway, I'll test it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry if i did hurt you. well i was a beta tester for the app. it did performed well for me, besides comodo is a reputed company after all and they are standing for free softwares.
I posted the links cause it contains all the details of the software, details about the company etc, i thought its better than i explain those details.
about double posting, the one i posted is in the general section is for all to see. The second is for my fellow lgp500 users, where i really belogs. i hope i am clear enough. no harm ment

Best free antivirus is your brain - never install app without good amount of comments about app.

AdvDretch said:
Best free antivirus is your brain - never install app without good amount of comments about app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who in this world has time to read all that? Have you ever tried to read Google’s conditions and policies while creating a Google account? Certainly the answer would be ‘NO’. Do you know that Google had 60 different policies that helped them to collect data from your personal Gmail and other Google apps? Now do you know that they had merged all these in to one policy?
Google will know more about you than your wife does. Everything across your screens will be integrated and tracked. Google noted that it collects information you provide, data from your usage, device information and location. Unique applications are also noted. Sure you can use Google’s dashboard and ad manager to cut things out, but this policy feels Big Brother-ish. Google is watching you as long as you are logged in. It’s also unclear whether this privacy policy move will be considered bundling in some way by regulators. This unified experience hook appears to be at least partially aimed at juicing Google+. Google responded with clarification: Google noted that it already has all that data, but it’s now integrating that information across products. It’s a change in how Google will use the data not what it collects. In other words, Google already knows more about you than your wife.( not my comment go read this.... http://m.zdnet.com/blog/btl/googles-new-privacy-policy-the-good-bad-scary/67893)
Now my question is whether Google is good or bad? Do you need Droidwall to defend your privacy? Or do you still believe in your Brain(better do not believe in brain but use it to think rationally)?
Conclusion: we need a new definition to “virus”...My contribution is Anything that steals your private data is a virus.( no flames needed, no harm meant...just my thought about the relevancy of protective apps like Droidwall, comodo, avg, etc. ...etc)

,do we realy need anti virus?,

algie17 said:
,do we realy need anti virus?,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need one
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App

josinpoul's mean run anti virus before creating Google account
And if too don't have anti virus then don't use Google. Josin your explanation is wrong. Brain and antivirus both useful.

No need for 2 topics about one thing but thanks for sharing!!!

http://ca.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idCATRE81N1T120120224
By Jim Finkle
BOSTON (Reuters) - Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a flaw in a component of the operating system of Google Inc's widely used Android smartphone that they say hackers can exploit to gain control of the devices.
Researchers at startup cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said they have figured out how to use that bug to launch attacks and take control of some Android devices.
CrowdStrike, which will demonstrate its findings next week at a major computer security conference in San Francisco, said an attacker sends an email or text message that appears to be from a trusted source, like the user's phone carrier. The message urges the recipient to click on a link, which if done infects the device.
At that point, the hacker gains complete control of the phone, enabling him or her to eavesdrop on phone calls and monitor the location of the device, said Dmitri Alperovitch, chief technology officer and co-founder of CrowdStrike.
Google spokesman Jay Nancarrow declined comment on Crowdstrike's claim.
Alperovitch said the firm conducted the research to highlight how mobile devices are increasingly vulnerable to a type of attack widely carried out against PCs. In such instances, hackers find previously unknown vulnerabilities in software, then exploit those flaws with malicious software that is delivered via tainted links or attached documents.
He said smartphone users need to prepare for this type of attack, which typically cannot be identified or thwarted by mobile device security software.
"With modifications and perhaps use of different exploits, this attack will work on every smartphone device and represents the biggest security threat on those devices," said Alperovitch, who was vice president of threat research at McAfee Inc before he co-founded CrowdStrike. Researchers at CrowdStrike were not the first to identify such a threat, though such warnings are less common than reports of malicious applications that make their way to online websites, such as Apple's App Store or the Android Market.
In July 2009, researchers Charlie Miller and Collin Mulliner figured out a way to attack Apple's iPhone by sending malicious code embedded in text messages that was invisible to the phone's user. Apple repaired the bug in the software a few weeks after the pair warned it of the problem.
The method devised by CrowdStrike currently works on devices running Android 2.2, also known as Froyo. That version is installed on about 28 percent of all Android devices, according to a Google survey conducted over two weeks ending February 1.
Alperovitch said he expects to have a second version of the software finished by next week that can attack phones running Android 2.3. That version, widely known as Gingerbread, is installed on another 59 percent of all Android devices, according to Google.
CrowdStrike's method of attack makes use of a previously unpublicized security flaw in a piece of software known as webkit, which is built into the Android operating system's Web browser.
Webkit is also incorporated into other software programs, including Google's Chrome browser and the Apple iOS operating system for the iPhone and iPad.
CrowdStrike said it had not attempted to create software to attack iOS devices or the Chrome browser.

Ok, now a group of hackers control 500000000 devices... an antivirus will slow the phone down more than a hacker trying to run a phone from another continent over your 2G network... just think about it... how can your screen be monitored over 3G in real-time? It can't be done on my 5Mbps PC...
And if you turn data off, then 1GB of data will be sent to google when you turn it on??? Think logic...(where the f**k do you store that??? I think the effect will be noticed right away, and the attacker has no time to take control, unless you are stupid enough to see a 1GB file and not suspect anything...) PCs have real-time protection, but that is because there are terrible threats out there, and they are optimized, they don't slow down... on your phone, you will regret having a phone for 2 years running like **** and then dropping in water, while you could have best performance in those 2 years...
We are not windows, but we are android, and it is the most unsafe mobile OS, if you want a safe one, get from apple... just 2x price at ½ quality...
Sent from my LG-P500

well i use avast antivirus
but not for scanning viruses
but rather for anti-theft feature and firewall(blocking apps)
and isnt android a java based OS ??
im sure there are not many virus's
that can cause heavy damage

Huge security vulnerability in Android / 99% of devices are affected

Researchers at Bluebox Security have revealed a disturbing flaw in Android's security model, which the group claims may affect up to 99 percent of Android devices in existence. According to Bluebox, this vulnerability has existed since Android 1.6 (Donut), which gives malicious app developers the ability to modify the code of a legitimate APK, all without breaking its cryptographic signature -- thereby allowing the installation to go unnoticed. To pull off the exploit, a rotten app developer would first need to trick an unknowing user into installing the malicious update, but hackers could theoretically gain full control of a user's phone if the "update" posed as a system file from the manufacturer.
Bluebox claims that it notified Google of the exploit in February. According to CIO, Bluebox CTO Jeff Forristal has named the Galaxy S 4 as the only device that's currently immune to the exploit -- which suggests that a security patch may already exist. Forristal further claims that Google is working on an update for its Nexus devices. In response to our inquiry, Google told us that it currently has no comment. We certainly hope that device manufacturers do the responsible thing and distribute timely security patches to resolve this issue. Absent that, you can protect yourself by installing updates through the Play Store and Android's built-in system update utility.
Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/04/bluebox-reveals-android-security-vulnerability/

They ust read this here and on an Australian news website, news.com.au, they recommend;
So what can I do about this?
- Do not allow apps from unkown sources. To do this go to Settings, Security and untick "allow unknown sources".
- Well, the news isn't good. Until further notice, news.com.au recommends that you don't download any non-Google apps.
- Bluebox has recommended that users update their operating system to the latest version.
- Also, if you have any apps which store your personal information such as credit card or PayPal information (like eBay, Amazon or Etsy), you should remove this information immediately.
- Remove any personal information from your phone (do you have your credit card pin stored in your notes? Get rid of it)
Crap advice for majority of users I feel.
Most users will have 'unknown sources' off by default but they advise not download any non Google app even from the play market as mentioned elsewhere in article.
They say to update your phone, how easy is that to do when carriers and manufacturers don't release up to date firmware for phones..
That is fine for people like us that flash new Roms all the time but for normal folk it's not a viable solution.
I don't really think the threat is so great, going by those that report such though we all had better stop using android..

I am more concerned with apps using other apps permissions/data flaw
and google play update/install protocall being not encrypted/catchable and falsifyable.
Regarding what is stated in article, this was known almost day 1 which is why from beginning android said dont install non market stuff. And it has also been known crapware has entered market.
So all in all, its an obvious article.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

I totally agree baz77, this has been know for a very long time now. There are also quite a few apps in Play that are "crapware".

The issue has been fixed on Google's side and CyanogenMod (08/07 nightly and yesterday's security release CM10.1.1.)
Now, it is up to the OEMs to follow

I guess I got it wrong, it is a separate issue, glad the pros getting it fixed, they need to be applauded! Salute!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

Vulnerability Allows Attackers to Modify Android Apps Without Breaking Their Signatur

Vulnerability Allows Attackers to Modify Android Apps Without Breaking Their Signatures
This might be the reason why the new MF2 and ME6 are not downgradable and why the 4.2.2 update was delayed.
Source->http://www.cio.com/article/735878/V...ndroid_Apps_Without_Breaking_Their_Signatures
IDG News Service — A vulnerability that has existed in Android for the past four years can allow hackers to modify any legitimate and digitally signed application in order to transform it into a Trojan program that can be used to steal data or take control of the OS.
Researchers from San Francisco mobile security startup firm Bluebox Security found the flaw and plan to present it in greater detail at the Black Hat USA security conference in Las Vegas later this month.
The vulnerability stems from discrepancies in how Android apps are cryptographically verified, allowing an attacker to modify application packages (APKs) without breaking their cryptographic signatures.
When an application is installed and a sandbox is created for it, Android records the application's digital signature, said Bluebox Chief Technology Officer Jeff Forristal. All subsequent updates for that application need to match its signature in order to verify that they came from the same author, he said.
This is important for the Android security model because it ensures that sensitive data stored by one application in its sandbox can only be accessed by new versions of that application that are signed with the original author's key.
The vulnerability identified by the Bluebox researchers effectively allows attackers to add malicious code to already signed APKs without breaking their signatures.
The vulnerability has existed since at least Android 1.6, code named Donut, which means that it potentially affects any Android device released during the last four years, the Bluebox researchers said Wednesday in a blog post.
"Depending on the type of application, a hacker can exploit the vulnerability for anything from data theft to creation of a mobile botnet," they said.
The vulnerability can also be exploited to gain full system access if the attacker modifies and distributes an app originally developed by the device manufacturer that's signed with the platform key -- the key that manufacturers use to sign the device firmware.
"You can update system components if the update has the same signature as the platform," Forristal said. The malicious code would then gain access to everything -- all applications, data, accounts, passwords and networks. It would basically control the whole device, he said.
Attackers can use a variety of methods to distribute such Trojan apps, including sending them via email, uploading them to a third-party app store, hosting them on any website, copying them to the targeted devices via USB and more.
Some of these methods, especially the one involving third-party app stores, are already being used to distribute Android malware.
Using Google Play to distribute apps that have been modified to exploit this flaw is not possible because Google updated the app store's application entry process in order to block apps that contain this problem, Forristal said. The information received by Bluebox from Google also suggests that no existing apps from the app store have this problem, he said.
However, if an attacker tricks a user to manually install a malicious update for an app originally installed through Google Play, the app will be replaced and the new version will no longer interact with the app store. That's the case for all applications or new versions of applications, malicious or non-malicious, that are not installed through Google Play, Forristal said.
Google was notified of the vulnerability in February and the company shared the information with their partners, including the members of the Open Handset Alliance, at the beginning of March, Forristal said. It is now up to those partners to decide what their update release plans will be, he said.
Forristal confirmed that one third party device, the Samsung Galaxy S4, already has the fix, which indicates that some device manufacturers have already started releasing patches. Google has not released patches for its Nexus devices yet, but the company is working on them, he said.
Google declined to comment on the matter and the Open Handset Alliance did not respond to a request for comment.
The availability of firmware updates for this issue will differ across device models, manufacturers and mobile carriers.
Whether a combination of device manufacturers and carriers, which play an important role in the distribution of updates, coincide to believe that there is justification for a firmware update is extremely variable and depends on their business needs, Forristal said. "Ideally it would be great if everyone, everywhere, would release an update for a security problem, but the practical reality is that it doesn't quite work that way, he said."
The slow distribution of patches in the Android ecosystem has long been criticized by both security researchers and Android users. Mobile security firm Duo Security estimated last September, based on statistics gathered through its X-Ray Android vulnerability assessment app, that more than half of Android devices are vulnerable to at least one of the known Android security flaws.
Judging by Android's patch distribution history so far, the vulnerability found by the Bluebox researchers will probably linger on many devices for a long time, especially since it likely affects a lot of models that have reached end-of-life and are no longer supported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I really thought more people would be interested in knowing this. I would really like to know what you guys think about this.

Key phrase here is "for apps not installed through the google store". Hence not an issue for a large fraction of users. Total case of FUD. Someone must be wanting to sell some av software.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Kremata said:
I really thought more people would be interested in knowing this. I would really like to know what you guys think about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, X-Ray scanner either does not detect this latest security flaw or N7100 (as of DM6) is allready patched.

Kremata said:
I really thought more people would be interested in knowing this. I would really like to know what you guys think about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the first link I found for XDA on this.
I think it's not that interesting because it's old, old news and exactly why it's being touted as a "new" discovery is beyond me, it's far from new.
We here at XDA have been using this method for years to modify stock Android and OEM system apps with great success. Here's an example by me from 2011: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=994544 there's a literally hundreds of examples all over XDA.
The real question here is how Bluebox security got everybody to act as a PR machine for them. If they turn up at Black Hat with this "amazing discovery" they're going to get laughed off the stage.

djmcnz said:
This is the first link I found for XDA on this.
I think it's not that interesting because it's old, old news and exactly why it's being touted as a "new" discovery is beyond me, it's far from new.
We here at XDA have been using this method for years to modify stock Android and OEM system apps with great success. Here's an example by me from 2011: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=994544 there's a literry hundreds of examples all over XDA.
The real question here is how Bluebox security got everybody to act as a PR machine for them. If they turn up at Black Hat with this "amazing discovery" they're going to get laughed off the stage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh! Thats the answer I was waiting for (and from a Recognized Developer). I knew XDA Devs were using this method. My new question is.. If they fix it will it be harder to create Mods? Will it slow down development?

Shouldn't this be posted in the generals forum?

Kremata said:
If they fix it will it be harder to create Mods? Will it slow down development?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect so. If they fix it properly it would become impossible to change any aspect of the app without signing it again. If you wanted to maintain compatibility with the original then you'd need the developer's keys.
At the moment really only the manifest and some metadata within the apk is signed, if they extended that to the entire contents of the apk many mods (think themes for stock Google apps etc) are screwed unless users are happy to relinquish Play Store links and updates (i.e. backward compatibility).
Google may not go this far and may only choose to authenticate the code (smali) rather than all of the apk contents (graphics, strings etc), this approach would leave room for some mods to survive. Remains to be seen.

Google’s new Pixel smartphone hacked at PWNFEST, allowing remote code execution

https://9to5google.com/2016/11/11/google-pixel-hacked-pwnfest/
Google’s latest*Pixel*smartphone has been hacked by a team of hackers at the PWNFEST event. The Qihoo 360 team was able to demonstrate the ability to*achieve*remote code execution*to win a $120k prize.
The exploit launched the Google Play store before opening Chrome and displaying a web page reading ‘Pwned By 360 Alpha Team’ …*
The Pixel wasn’t the only thing*to fall victim at the*PWNFEST*conference: Microsoft Edge running under Windows 10 was*also hacked, and Chinese iPhone jailbreak team Pangu worked with JH to find*a*Safari exploit*that gave them root access on Apple’s macOS Sierra. Finally, Qihoo 360 also breached Adobe Flash with a combination of a decade-old vulnerability and a win32k kernal flaw.
There is no report yet of anyone successfully claiming the $180k available for an iOS 10/iPhone 7 Plus exploit.
All systems hacked were running the latest versions. Details of all the exploits will be passed to the companies concerned to enable the software*to be patched to prevent black-hat hackers using them for nefarious purposes.

Everything got hacked there. Not even really news anymore. Modern OS's including mobile and simpler systems now are all hackable. The only thing to really save us users is to try not to be a target.