Dirty stream attack: All you need to know about the security threat impacting Android users - Times of India

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The "Dirty Stream" attack is a recent security vulnerability discovered by Microsoft that specifically targets Android

smartphones

. It exploits a flaw in the way apps share data with each other, potentially putting your device and information at risk.

Here's all you need to know:

What it is: Imagine an app with a leaky pipe - that's essentially the Dirty Stream attack. Malicious apps can use this vulnerability to manipulate the data flow between legitimate apps, potentially leading to:

Code execution: Hackers could inject malicious code into other apps on your phone, giving them unauthorised control.
Data theft: Sensitive information like login credentials or financial data could be stolen from other apps.

Impact: This vulnerability is serious because it can compromise the security of various apps you use, not just the malicious app itself.

Affected Apps: The Dirty Stream attack can impact a wide range of Android apps, including some with millions of downloads.

Two popular apps specifically mentioned by Microsoft are:

Xiaomi's File Manager

: This app has over 1 billion installs.

WPS Office: This popular office suite has over 500 million installs.

Xiaomi and WPS Office have promptly addressed the vulnerabilities with updates. Nevertheless, Microsoft advises all

Android users

to promptly update these apps if they are installed on their devices.

How Android smartphone users can protect themselves

Ensure your apps are regularly updated via the Google Play Store or other reliable sources to incorporate the latest security patches.
Download apps solely from reputable developers and stores to reduce the likelihood of encountering malware.
Prioritise reviewing the permissions requested by apps before installation. Granting unnecessary permissions can elevate your risk exposure.