Hackers break in Android phones through text messages

(Shutterstock image)

According to cyber firm Zimperium Mobile Security, Android phones can already be hacked through text messages with a so-called “Stagefright” code.

“Attackers only need your mobile number, using which they can remotely execute code via a specially crafted media file delivered via SMS (text message),” a Zimperium post read.

“A fully weaponized successful attack could even delete the message before you see it. You will only see the notification,” the post continued.

Zimperium warned that Stagefright could include video snippets in the text messages. They would then hide their malicious contents in the video files. Even if the Android phone owner never opens or reads the text message, the malicious contents will still be unleashed.

“The targets for this kind of attack can be anyone… These vulnerabilities are extremely dangerous because they do not require that the victim take any action to be exploited,” Zimperium said.

Stagefright has already been reported to Google.

“Google acted promptly and applied the patches to internal code branches within 48 hours, but unfortunately that’s only the beginning of what will be a very lengthy process of update deployment,” Zimperium said.