Google Docs and the Mailinator

   You're minding your own business, just checking email, when you get an email from a "friend" inviting you to get a shared Google Doc file.

   You're a student of security, or at least a fan, so you're always skeptical when you receive an email with a link or attachment.  This one appears to come from someone you know.  The subject and body of the message seem consistent with a Google doc sharing message.

   Problem clue #1 - look at the "To:" line.  Clearly, this message wasn't sent to you.

   Problem clue #2 - were you expecting this email and file?  Has this sender sent you Google docs in the past?  Did this email arrive at work or home - and do you normally use Google docs there?

   But, you are rushed and don't have time to send your friend a message to see if this email is legit.  So you click.  If you're not already logged in to your Google account, you're asked to log in.  What you see next is...

When Androids Attack!

   All computers, devices and software have flaws.  In fact, there are so many it's hard to keep up.  In the past (not so long ago), we only had to worry about computers... and they were mostly big desktops.  Then came laptops, and with them the additional problems introduced when connecting to unknown and open networks.  And lately, we seem to spend plenty of time talking about flaws in smartphones and tablets.

   The latest in a long string of smartphone issues is the so-called "Fake ID" flaw affecting Android devices.  This attack exploits a vulnerability in the way an Android device checks the authenticity of an app.

   The issue is kind of similar to controls around US credit cards.  When you sign a credit card receipt or at a terminal, the clerk or cashier might check that signature against the one on the card.  Even if the signatures match (and when does that happen???  I can barely duplicate my own signature! :-), that doesn't mean that you are the owner of the card nor does it let anyone know if the card is fake or stolen.

   In a somewhat analogous way, apps are "signed".  The flaw allows Android phones to accept unverified apps.  This provides a potential opportunity to download fake or malicious apps.

   This issue should be patched on your phone by now.  But this is not the first time this kind of problem has emerged. And it won't be the last time!  This can be a serious issue.