SMS Question

Avast Mobile Security Avast Mobile Security for Android
1

I have heard of many mobile phone exploit and am wondering is it safe to open SMS to read? Or have SMS become unsafe too?

2

Hi,

as far as I know, it’s OK to read messages. The exploits are not performed while you read the message, but during the receiving of it.

Filip

3

So it means the the moment you receive the message the exploit already happened?

4

Hi,

it’s not a point of my interest, but from the very little I heard about it, yes.

Here is some example http://phandroid.com/2013/11/29/sms-exploit-can-remotely-reboot-nexus-handsets/

Here is (an older) example of a phishing attempt (using an exploit) http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/110212-android-sms-phishing-263930.html (this one makes you believe the message came from someone you know, but actually is just generated on the device).

Filip

5

In case you mean the SMS payment exploit, yes, we can detect it, in case of Nexus vulnerability, yes, we have USSD scanner.