BSI warns Samsung users: MMS vulnerability allows access to mobile phones

This is how you protect yourself

May 9, 2020, 2:15 pm Reading time: 1 m inute

According to BSI's official report, Samsung smartphones have been affected by serious security breaches. These allow cyber criminals to use MMS messages to access your Galaxy phone. Netzwelt tells you what you can do.

Samsung smartphone users currently face serious security holes. (Source: Netzwelt)

Federal Information Security Agency (BSI) caveat There are serious security holes in Samsung's smartphone software. More precisely, it relates to the function for receiving MMS messages integrated in the device. If the attack occurs under certain conditions, the cyber criminal can execute any malicious code.

BSI cited as many as 300 prepared MMS containing dangerous codes as an attack example. It is frightening that the victim does not even have to take active action. Receiving MMS is enough to take advantage of the gap and gain remote access. The statement did not indicate whether it must always be exactly 300 MMS, or whether other scenarios could be envisaged.

Which Samsung smartphones are affected?

In addition, talking about "Samsung smartphones" only leads people to think that all devices in circulation may be affected. Therefore, it doesn't matter whether you are using an old model, such as the Galaxy S8 + or the current Galaxy S20 Ultra.

Samsung smartphones are unsure: you can do it

In this case, BSI recommends that the current security patch be installed from May 2020. For example, this already applies to Galaxy S10 + and later devices, because Samsung has launched a monthly update here. On the other hand, the Galaxy S8 no longer receives Samsung ’s monthly updates, but only receives new security updates every quarter.

Therefore, if your Samsung phone no longer receives monthly security patches, we recommend that you disable MMS reception in the settings. The corresponding menu can be found under "Settings"> "Connections"> "Mobile Networks"> "Access Point". Here, you must turn off the MMS access point. Procedure However, depending on the wireless service provider used. Therefore, please contact your provider's customer service.