GasBandit
Staff member
Two weeks ago a vulnerability was found in Bluetooth that allows phones to be taken over remotely, without pairing and regardless of whether the phone is in "discoverable" mode or not.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16294904/bluetooth-hack-exploit-android-linux-blueborne
Apple and Microsoft have already patched the vulnerability, and Google has in their stock devices for every version from Kitkat forward, but because so many android devices are running android versions altered by their manufacturer/carrier, it takes longer for the fix to get to users. So, if you haven't had a system update in the last week or two, turn your bluetooth off and leave it off until you do.
This is particularly aggravating to me because I use a verizon-branded LG3 which I've refused system updates on ever since I had to restore to a factory image to roll back the lollipop update because it strangled my phone's performance to excruciating levels. So I've been back on Kitkat 4.4.2 ever since, and I hadn't planned to ever update until I got a new phone. I use bluetooth all the time in my car, and it's going to be an irritating inconvenience to put up with all this.
Guess getting a new phone just got bumped up my priority list - and you can bet your ass I'm getting it straight from google this time instead of verizon.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16294904/bluetooth-hack-exploit-android-linux-blueborne
Apple and Microsoft have already patched the vulnerability, and Google has in their stock devices for every version from Kitkat forward, but because so many android devices are running android versions altered by their manufacturer/carrier, it takes longer for the fix to get to users. So, if you haven't had a system update in the last week or two, turn your bluetooth off and leave it off until you do.
This is particularly aggravating to me because I use a verizon-branded LG3 which I've refused system updates on ever since I had to restore to a factory image to roll back the lollipop update because it strangled my phone's performance to excruciating levels. So I've been back on Kitkat 4.4.2 ever since, and I hadn't planned to ever update until I got a new phone. I use bluetooth all the time in my car, and it's going to be an irritating inconvenience to put up with all this.
Guess getting a new phone just got bumped up my priority list - and you can bet your ass I'm getting it straight from google this time instead of verizon.