As our smartphones become more and more sophisticated and capable, it looks like they might be picking up some vulnerabilities as well. Website Slashgear reports that it was revealed at the Ekoparty security conference that a single line of code can cause a devastating factory reset in some Samsung handsets, including the best-selling Galaxy S3.
What's worse, is that the hack can also destroy the user's SIM, leaving them with a blank device and no way access their wireless network.
Slashgear reports that the hack was explained by Ravi Borgaonkar and required only a simply USSD code that could be transferred onto the handsets via a website, NFC communication, or a QR code.
Once the hack is initiated, there's no way back - even hitting the back button on the handsets will not save it.
Other Samsung handsets that can be exploited include the Galaxy S2, Galaxy Beam, Galaxy S Advance, and Galaxy Ace. It seems that owners of Samsung handsets with the stock version of their Android operating system are not as affected. It seems that the code does not run automatically unless the TouchWiz interface is installed.
For a more detailed explanation of how the hack can be transferred, along with real-time updates, visit Slashgear.
Keep in mind there are no reports of this code having been used or explored by malicious-minded websites or people, but a quick look at technology websites shows that the news is plastered all over the internet. Hopefully this won't prompt somebody to decide to try it out in real life, but until then, be extra careful with websites you don't trust as well as your NFC and QR connections.
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