Pierluigi Paganini
August 28, 2023
The security researcher Yossi discovered that is possible to discover a target’s IP address by sending a link over the Skype mobile app. The researcher pointed out that the attack only requires the target to open the message. The problem only impacts the Skype mobile app.
The knowledge of the IP address can allow threat actors to find the physical location of the target posing a risk to their privacy, security, and safety.
According to 404 Media, Yossi reported the issue to Microsoft earlier this month, but it seems that the company initially downplayed the problem and gave no indication that it plans to address the flaw.
“[the] disclosure of an IP address is not considered a security vulnerability on it’s [sic] own,” Microsoft told Yossi.
However, after 404 Media contacted Microsoft for comment, the IT giant announced it plans to fix the problem in an upcoming update.
“The attack could pose a serious risk to activists, political dissidents, journalists, those targeted by cybercriminals, and many more people.” state 404 Media “At minimum, an IP address can show what area of a city someone is in. An IP address can be even more revealing in a less densely populated area, because there are fewer people who could be associated with it.”
The popular cybersecurity reporter JOSEPH COX, personally tested Yossi’s attack.
Cox explained that the technique was working both when he connected to Skype using a virtual private network and when he connected to a public Wi-Fi network without a VPN.
404 Media only revealed that the issue is simply exploitable by manipulating a certain parameter related to the link. The reporters did not share details of the attacks because the flaw has yet to be fixed.
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