OxygenOS 1.0.2 Update for OnePlus One Brings 'Stagefright' Patch
International OnePlus One users are in luck.
The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has recently released the latest Oxygen OS update, OxygenOS 1.0.2, to OnePlus One . However, it only addresses a software specific issue.
According to GSM Arena, users should not expect a lot of new features from the new update since it specifically contains patches to the "Stagefright" issue.
''Stagefright" was first discovered by Joshua Drake from Zimperium Research Labs last April.
"Attackers only need your mobile number, using which they can remotely execute code via a specially crafted media file delivered via MMS. A fully weaponized successful attack could even delete the message before you see it. You will only see the notification. These vulnerabilities are extremely dangerous because they do not require that the victim take any action to be exploited," Ziperium said in its blog post.
They furthered that not like spear-phishing, the vulnerability can be triggered even when the device is in idle mode.
The researching company mentioned that the Stagefright exploit potentially exposes 95 percent of Android devices, approximately 950 Million devices, to this vulnerability as it affects devices running on Android 2.2. Devices that are running on OS older than Jelly Bean have the highest exploitation risk since software updates for these OS versions are scarce.
The hole lets hackers induce malicious codes to an Android handset just by sending MMS messages. This will then allow them to control any particular device. All they need is the contact number of their intended victims.
The malicious MMS messages don't even have to be opened by users for hackers to infiltrate their devices. The hacker could easily have access to the infected devices' microphone, camera, and other phone data.
The vulnerability was only detected recently. Google and its manufacturing partners rushed to develop software updates to counter the dangerous bug.
Google has since thanked Zimperium via Android Central.
"We thank Joshua Drake for his contributions. The security of Android users is extremely important to us and so we responded quickly and patches have already been provided to partners that can be applied to any device."
The tech giant also reiterated that newer and upcoming devices have been fitted with improved safety features that strongly counteract exploitation.
As for OnePlus One users, the Oxygen OS 1.0.2 can be accessed here. However, it is highly advised to first back up your data first before installing the software.
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