Live data from Hacker News

USSD code to factory data reset a Galaxy S3 can be trigged from a HTML page

exquisitetweets.com

11–20 of 186 posts

Re: USSD code to factory data reset a Galaxy S3 can be trigged from a HTML page

#11
post #4

If I was really bored and feeling malicious, printing QR codes to point to this "exploit" and then pasting them over QR codes on random advertisements in the streets seems like a terrible idea.

I've yet to scan one of these codes, or see anyone scanning one. It seems like something from the 90s just came back for one last dying breath.

Re: USSD code to factory data reset a Galaxy S3 can be trigged from a HTML page

#12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It wouldn't affect anyone because no one has ever scanned a QR code in an ad

My 6 year old daughter is absolutely fascinated by QR codes. I've been nagged into scanning ones on posters, in magazines, and even one that showed up in the middle of a TV show...

You can pick up barcode battlers on ebay for cheap. Although they're probably antiques now.

Re: USSD code to factory data reset a Galaxy S3 can be trigged from a HTML page

#16
post #4

If I was really bored and feeling malicious, printing QR codes to point to this "exploit" and then pasting them over QR codes on random advertisements in the streets seems like a terrible idea.

It wouldn't affect anyone because no one has ever scanned a QR code in an ad

http://picturesofpeoplescanningqrcodes.tumblr.com/

Re: USSD code to factory data reset a Galaxy S3 can be trigged from a HTML page

#17
Hello. I'm the guy who put this collection together. I've since tried to update it, and to hit 'delete' on it to avoid spreading misinformation, but Exquisite Tweets is still caching the original version. Mea culpa: I didn't do the research before passing it on.

There's been a lot of back-and-forth over whether it's true or not (check @pof's timeline for such), and a hell of a lot of people sending it on without double-checking. Myself included.

There is clearly a big security bug here (see the video linked), but it's extremely questionable as to whether it can be activated from a web page or whether it requires a bit of social engineering too!

[Edited to add: and just as I write this, @jwheare has cleared the cache and fixed the bug in Exquisite Tweets. Hopefully that should nip this in the bud.]

Re: USSD code to factory data reset a Galaxy S3 can be trigged from a HTML page

#19

Page text was: the USSD code to factory data reset a Galaxy S3 is *2767*3855# can be triggered from browser like this:

Looks like OP decided to pull this down to minimize damage. Makes me wonder was this a 0-day or he informed Samsung first.
Post reply on HN