Security researcher Mark Blaszczyk has uncovered a critical vulnerability affecting Android devices running Android 12 or newer worldwide. Replicating a modern variation of the classic “SMS of Death,” the exploit allows malicious actors to remotely disable network signals and crash smartphones by transmitting silent, background WAP Push messages.
The attack vector functions by bypassing the standard notification inbox. The incoming text message is processed entirely in the background by the Android telephony framework without alerting the device owner. Once executed, the flaw instantly disrupts core cellular services, disconnecting active phone calls—including emergency calls—and resulting in the temporary loss of mobile network connectivity.
The vulnerability affects Pixel and Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer
Furthermore, if an attacker continuously transmits roughly 20 of these messages in rapid succession, the device can be forced into an infinite reboot loop (bootloop). In severe cases, the exploit risks rendering the smartphone entirely inoperative, a condition commonly known as “bricking”. Recovering from this state is exceptionally complex, frequently requiring specialized technical assistance or connecting the phone to a computer to manually clear corrupted system files.
Testing confirmed that the vulnerability impacts popular consumer devices, including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. In response to the discovery, Google developed a security patch integrated into the October and November security updates for devices running Android 14 and above. This updated firmware identifies the malicious payload and deletes it immediately before the telephony framework can process it. However, older smartphones utilizing unpatched legacy Android versions remain fully exposed to the threat. Users are strongly advised to update their operating systems immediately to safeguard against potential network disruptions and device lockouts.
Security Alert: New Android ‘SMS Of Death’ Vulnerability Causes Bootloops
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