June 25, 2024 at 08:00AM
Rare VR headset attacks were demonstrated by researcher Harish Santhanalakshmi Ganesan, who managed to install ransomware on Meta’s Quest 3 using a method relying on limited Android-based system knowledge and social engineering. Despite no specific malware vulnerability found, the process exposes the potential for similar attacks and serves as a warning to VR users.
From the meeting notes, the main takeaways are:
– A researcher has demonstrated a method of delivering malware to Meta’s Quest 3 VR headset without enabling developer mode, using a restricted version of Android Open Source Project and an app from Meta’s App Lab to install ransomware on the headset.
– The researcher’s work highlights the potential for social engineering attacks on VR headsets, and the ability for attackers to trick users into installing malicious apps without the need for technical vulnerabilities.
– As there is no technical vulnerability involved, it is unlikely that a patch will be issued. The primary solution recommended is to avoid sideloading apps, similar to the advice given to smartphone users.
– The researcher’s publicized work serves as a warning to VR users to beware of social engineering attacks and underscores the importance of being cautious when installing third-party software on VR devices.