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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.
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.
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.
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