Ericsson phones open to 'snarf' attacks

Sony Ericsson has admitted that two of its phones and three Ericsson handsets are vulnerable to a snarfing attack.

The revelation comes just days after Nokia also admitted that some of its handsets have the same problem, which can allow an attacker to copy a phone's contacts book, calendar and other data without requiring the victim to 'pair' with another Bluetooth device.

A Sony Ericsson spokesman said: "It has come to our attention that it is possible for a remote Bluetooth computer to extract personal information from a phone with Bluetooth even if it is un-paired."

The spokesman said the problem affects the T610 and T68i handsets as well as the Ericsson T39, R520 and T68 models.

The problem has apparently been fixed in handsets that are sold today, but the spokesman advised customers to ensure they have the latest software in their phones: "Consumers can check which version of the software they have by typing >*<<*<* from the standby screen [the chevrons indicate left and right movements of the mouse button on the phone] and then selecting ServiceInfo/SW then Information from the menus.

If customers find they have the software version "R1A081", the spokesman said they should contact an authorised Sony Ericsson service centre to get their phone upgraded.

Additionally, Sony Ericsson suggests users "set Bluetooth to hide, or simply turn off Bluetooth when it is not being used," as a "preventative action".

According to Adam Laurie, chief security officer at networking and security firm AL Digital, most Bluetooth users shouldn't be overly worried because currently the tools required to launch a snarfing attack are not in the public domain, but he believes it is only a matter of time before they are.

Laurie said: "Someone would not just stumble on this vulnerability, they would have to be looking for it. But now people know that it is possible, they will be looking."

Munir Kotadia writes for ZDNet UK