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Hacking Campaign Targets iPhone Users With Data-Stealing, Location-Tracking Malware (zdnet.com)
ZDNet reports of a new mobile malware campaign that is "gaining access to iPhones by tricking users to download an open-source mobile device management (MDM) software package." From the report: Once in control, the unidentified hackers can steal various forms of sensitive information from infected devices, including the phone number, serial number, location, contact details, user's photos, SMS, and Telegram and WhatsApp chat messages. Thirteen users -- all in India -- have been been compromised in the attacks, which have been detailed by Cisco Talos. Those infected use a range of iPhone models and are running iOS versions ranging from 10.2.1 to 11.2.6. The campaign has been active since August 2015. The attackers take control by using the MDM package, which can give attackers complete control of the device and the ability to install fake versions of real apps.
Two different MDM services are used in the campaign, enabling system-level control of multiple devices from one location and the ability to install, remove and exfiltrate data from apps. One method of stealing data comes via malicious versions of messaging services like Telegram and WhatsApp being pushed onto the compromised device via fake updates. The apps look legitimate to the user, but malicious code sends information -- including messages, photos and contacts -- to a central command and control server. Deploying these apps requires a side-loading injection technique, which allows for the ability to ask for additional permissions, execute code and steal information from the original application.
Two different MDM services are used in the campaign, enabling system-level control of multiple devices from one location and the ability to install, remove and exfiltrate data from apps. One method of stealing data comes via malicious versions of messaging services like Telegram and WhatsApp being pushed onto the compromised device via fake updates. The apps look legitimate to the user, but malicious code sends information -- including messages, photos and contacts -- to a central command and control server. Deploying these apps requires a side-loading injection technique, which allows for the ability to ask for additional permissions, execute code and steal information from the original application.
I'm quakin' in my boots, over here!
Youâ(TM)re delusional.
You know, these used to just be called "Trojans". But that long-winded description works, too.
Thirteen users ... have been been compromised in the attacks. ... The campaign has been active since August 2015.
13 people over 3 years, and it's news? That might be news if it was the "13 Angry Democrats" that Trump fellow keeps complaining about, or some other list of important-ish people of some sort, but I'm not going to bother reading the article to find out cause there should be some hint of that in the summary.
Seems like MDM is a codeword for what we call 'antivirus" on a PC/Mac. The antivirus developers have been given hooks that go all the way to BIOS, while a typical program can't touch system files nor the BIOS. We expect the certified antivirus programs to play by rules, but there's nothing preventing things like Norton's occasional behavior of starting P2P hole checks that end up overflowing the internet pipes.
So, here we are with a bunch of India cases of users trusting malware as their iPhone MDM/antivirus. Really, the operating system should be the only antivirus you need these days. So Apple, pull this app from the app store and replace the damaged phones.
But wait, I thought the App Store made Apple immune to malware, which is why it's supposed to be so much better than Android, at the cost of not being able to run the apps you want without paying Apple for the privilege.
Oops!
It doesn't come from the App Store, genius. You have to sideload it and do other stupid shit to get this thing installed.
What we have here is a malware program that got certified by Apple... but this appears to only be in India's version of the app store. Cleanup should be quick, and it's less than 20 reported cases of trouble so far.
Stormy Daniels isn't newsworthy, it's a story that's already known about Trump.
It's an Apple App Store error... they approved a piece of malware that used MDM software elevation to get through limits on typical apps.
In the days of iPhone 4, they left holes allowing a site called jailbreak.me to allow alternate app stores like Cydia to exist on the phone... most of which were tests of features that are now part of the standard iOS.
This is where the MDM software "sideloads" in... it's gaining increased permissions that belong to MDM limiters, and instead it's malware.
Yes, you can.
You are so fucking stupid.
An iOS clone, with nothing added, just different listeners for the data....
Realtor.com app asked to be updated on screen after I had just updated to latest version. Never seen an update request in app before so I quit and deleted the app. Happened on a friends iPad same app.
No. What we have here is a person that didn't bother to read the article and is speaking out of their ass.
You can install an enterprise certificate that allows installation of software outside the Apple Store. This is how businesses use internal software on iOS devices. In this case, social engineering was used to allow the certificates and have the users install the MDM. After that, these devices could be remotely controlled .
What we have here is a malware program that got certified by Apple...
Based on the vague description in the article... I don’t believe that’s the case.
The article refers to a multistep process and tricking users into adding certificates as trusted. This sounds more like an end-around the App Store - if your phone trusts a certificate, you can load developer apps directly onto a phone via Xcode, Cydia Impactor, or other similar tools. You’re basically side-loading an app without having to get past the App Store’s restrictions.
#DeleteChrome
The security services and police would not be the only ones with consumer product skills.
Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
Top notch reporting, new new new slashdot style. Complete drivel that means diddly squat. Very beauhd, wow.
What we have here is a malware program that got certified by Apple... but this appears to only be in India's version of the app store. Cleanup should be quick, and it's less than 20 reported cases of trouble so far.
Less than 20 cases... IN THREE YEARS!
As Trojans go, this one is wildly UNsuccessful...
30 known cases.
Remember the time when Macs went 3 years without anyone knowing their machines were infected? That numbered at least 10000, and that's all they could confirm
MDM files don't need to be certified by Apple but installing them takes a decent bit. You receive multiple warnings and have to enter your password for the device. You then need to restart the device after installation. These are the same files that you'd install to allow your workplace to manage your device and secure it in a way they deem proper to have company email and other access from your device. Basically gives them full control to configure your device. Again, it's not something most would install by accident.
Dumbass writes comment that is wrong. Multiple dumbasses vote him up to 4 Informative.
Slashdot slide into irrelevance continues.
Did anyone else initially read the headline as being about a political campaign using iPhone malware to research their target voters?
Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way