#FactCheck - Afghan Cricket Team's Chant Misrepresented in Viral Video

Introduction:

This report examines ongoing phishing scams targeting "State Bank of India (SBI)" customers, India's biggest public bank using fake SelfKYC APKs to trick people. The image plays a part in a phishing plan to get users to download bogus APK files by claiming they need to update or confirm their "Know Your Customer (KYC)" info.

Fake Claim:

A picture making the rounds on social media comes with an APK file. It shows a phishing message that says the user's SBI YONO account will stop working because of their "Old PAN card." It then tells the user to install the "WBI APK" APK (Android Application Package) to check documents and keep their account open. This message is fake and aims to get people to download a harmful app.

Key Characteristics of the Scam:

• The messages "URGENTLY REQUIRED" and "Your account will be blocked today" show how scammers try to scare people into acting fast without thinking.
• PAN Card Reference: Crooks often use PAN card verification and KYC updates as a trick because these are normal for Indian bank customers.
• Risky APK Downloads: The message pushes people to get APK files, which can be dangerous. APKs from places other than the Google Play Store often have harmful software.
• Copying the Brand: The message looks a lot like SBI's real words and logos to seem legit.
• Shady Source: You can't find the APK they mention on Google Play or SBI's website, which means you should ignore the app right away.

Modus Operandi:

• Delivery Mechanism: Typically, users of messaging services like "WhatsApp," "SMS," or "email" receive identical messages with an APK link, which is how the scam is distributed.
• APK Installation: The phony APK frequently asks for a lot of rights once it is  installed, including access to "SMS," "contacts," "calls," and "banking apps."
• Data Theft: Once installed, the program may have the ability to steal card numbers, personal information, OTPs, and banking credentials.
• Remote Access: These APKs may occasionally allow cybercriminals to remotely take control of the victim's device in order to carry out fraudulent financial activities.

While the user installs the application on their device the following interface opens: 

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It asks the user to allow the following:

• SMS is used to send and receive info from the bank.
• User details such as Username, Password, Mobile Number, and Captcha. 

Technical Findings of the Application:

Static Analysis:

• File Name: SBI SELF KYC_015850.apk
• Package Name: com.mark.dot.comsbione.krishn
• Scan Date: Sept. 25, 2024, 6:45 a.m.
• App Security Score: 52/100 (MEDIUM RISK)
• Grade: B

File Information:

• File Name: SBI SELF KYC_015850.apk
• Size: 2.88MB
• MD5: 55fdb5ff999656ddbfa0284d0707d9ef
• SHA1: 8821ee6475576beb86d271bc15882247f1e83630
• SHA256: 54bab6a7a0b111763c726e161aa8a6eb43d10b76bb1c19728ace50e5afa40448

App Information:

• App Name: SBl Bank
• Package Name:: com.mark.dot.comsbione.krishn
• Main Activity: com.mark.dot.comsbione.krishn.MainActivity
• Target SDK: 34
• Min SDK: 24
• Max SDK:
• Android Version Name:: 1.0
• Android Version Code:: 1

App Components:

• Activities: 8
• Services: 2
• Receivers: 2
• Providers: 1
• Exported Activities: 0
• Exported Services: 1
• Exported Receivers: 2
• Exported Providers:: 0

Certificate Information:

• Binary is signed
• v1 signature: False
• v2 signature: True
• v3 signature: False
• v4 signature: False
• X.509 Subject: CN=PANDEY, OU=PANDEY, O=PANDEY, L=NK, ST=NK, C=91
• Signature Algorithm: rsassa_pkcs1v15
• Valid From: 20240904 07:38:35+00:00
• Valid To: 20490829 07:38:35+00:00
• Issuer: CN=PANDEY, OU=PANDEY, O=PANDEY, L=NK, ST=NK, C=91
• Serial Number: 0x1
• Hash Algorithm: sha256
• md5: 4536ca31b69fb68a34c6440072fca8b5
• sha1: 6f8825341186f39cfb864ba0044c034efb7cb8f4
• sha256: 6bc865a3f1371978e512fa4545850826bc29fa1d79cdedf69723b1e44bf3e23f
• sha512:05254668e1c12a2455c3224ef49a585b599d00796fab91b6f94d0b85ab48ae4b14868dabf16aa609c3b6a4b7ac14c7c8f753111b4291c4f3efa49f4edf41123d
• PublicKey Algorithm: RSA
• Bit Size: 2048
• Fingerprint: a84f890d7dfbf1514fc69313bf99aa8a826bade3927236f447af63fbb18a8ea6
• Found 1 unique certificate

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App Permission 

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1. Normal Permissions

• Access_network_state: Allows the App to View the Network Status of All Networks.
• Foreground_service: Enables Regular Apps to Use Foreground Services.
• Foreground_service_data_sync: Allows Data Synchronization With Foreground Services.
• Internet: Grants Full Internet Access.

2. Signature Permission:

• Broadcast_sms: Sends Sms Received Broadcasts. It Can Be Abused by Malicious Apps to Forge Incoming Sms Messages.

3. Dangerous Permissions:

• Read_phone_numbers: Grants Access to the Device’s Phone Number(S).
• Read_phone_state: Reads the Phone’s State and Identity, Including Phone Features and Data.
• Read_sms: Allows the App to Read Sms or Mms Messages Stored on the Device or Sim Card. Malicious Apps Could Use This to Read Confidential Messages.
• Receive_sms: Enables the App to Receive and Process Sms Messages. Malicious Apps Could Monitor or Delete Messages Without Showing Them to the User.
• Send_sms: Allows the App to Send Sms Messages. Malicious Apps Could Send Messages Without the User’s Confirmation, Potentially Leading to Financial Costs.

On further analysis on virustotal platform using md5 hash file, the following results were retrieved where there are 24 security vendors out of 68, marked this apk file as malicious and the graph represents the distribution of malicious file in the environment.

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Key Takeaways:

• Normal Permissions: Generally Safe for Accessing Basic Functionalities (Network State, Internet).
• Signature Permissions: May Pose Risks When Misused, Especially Related to Sms Broadcasts.
• Dangerous Permissions: Provide Sensitive Data Access, Such as Phone Numbers and Device Identity, Which Can Be Exploited by Malicious Apps.
• The Dangerous Permissions Pose Risks Regarding the Reading, Receiving, and Sending of Sms, Which Can Lead to Privacy Breaches or Financial Consequences.

How to Identify the Scam:

• Official Statement: SBI never asks clients to download unauthorized APKs for upgrades related to KYC or other services. All formal correspondence takes place via the SBI YONO app, which may be found in reputable app shops.
• No Immediate Threats: Bank correspondence never employs menacing language or issues harsh deadlines, such as "your account will be blocked today."
• Email Domain and SMS Number: Verified email addresses or phone numbers are used for official SBI correspondence. Generic, unauthorized numbers or addresses are frequently used in scams.
• Links and APK Files: Steer clear of downloading APK files from unreliable sources at all times. For app downloads, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store instead.

CyberPeace Advisory:

• The Research team recommends that people should avoid opening such messages sent via social platforms. One must always think before clicking on such links, or downloading any attachments from unauthorised sources.
• Downloading any application from any third party sources instead of the official app store should be avoided. This will greatly reduce the risk of downloading a malicious app, as official app stores have strict guidelines for app developers and review each app before it gets published on the store.
• Even if you download the application from an authorised source, check the app's permissions before you install it. Some malicious apps may request access to sensitive information or resources on your device. If an app is asking for too many permissions, it's best to avoid it.
• Keep your device and the app-store app up to date. This will ensure that you have the latest security updates and bug fixes.
• Falling into such a trap could result in a complete compromise of the system, including access to sensitive information such as microphone recordings, camera footage, text messages, contacts, pictures, videos, and even banking applications and could lead users to financial loss.
• Do not share confidential details like credentials, banking information with such types of Phishing scams.
• Never share or forward fake messages containing links on any social platform without proper verification.

Conclusion:

Fake APK phishing scams target financial institutions more often. This report outlines safety steps for SBI customers and ways to spot and steer clear of these cons. Keep in mind that legitimate banks never ask you to get an APK from shady websites or threaten to close your account right away. To stay safe, use SBI's official YONO app on both systems and get apps from trusted places like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Check if the info is true before you do anything turn on 2FA for all your bank and money accounts, and tell SBI or your local cyber police about any scams you see.

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Introduction

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Recently, in April 2025, security researchers at Oligo Security exposed a substantial and wide-ranging threat impacting Apple's AirPlay protocol and its use via third-party Software Development Kit (SDK). According to the research, the recently discovered set of vulnerabilities titled "AirBorne" had the potential to enable remote code execution, escape permissions, and leak private data across many different Apple and third-party AirPlay-compatible devices. With well over 2.35 billion active Apple devices globally and tens of millions of third-party products that incorporate the AirPlay SDK, the scope of the problem is enormous. Those wireless-based vulnerabilities pose not only a technical threat but also increasingly an enterprise- and consumer-level security concern.

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Understanding AirBorne: What’s at Stake?

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AirBorne is the title given to a set of 23 vulnerabilities identified in the AirPlay communication protocol and its related SDK utilised by third-party vendors. Seventeen have been given official CVE designations. The most severe among them permit Remote Code Execution (RCE) with zero or limited user interaction. This provides hackers the ability to penetrate home networks, business environments, and even cars with CarPlay technology onboard.

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Types of Vulnerabilities Identified

AirBorne vulnerabilities support a range of attack types, including:

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• Zero-Click and One-Click RCE
• Access Control List (ACL) bypass
• User interaction bypass
• Local arbitrary file read
• Sensitive data disclosure
• Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks
• Denial of Service (DoS)

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Each vulnerability can be used individually or chained together to escalate access and broaden the attack surface.

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Remote Code Execution (RCE): Key Attack Scenarios

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1. MacOS – Zero-Click RCE (CVE-2025-24252 & CVE-2025-24206) These weaknesses enable attackers to run code on a MacOS system without any user action, as long as the AirPlay receiver is enabled and configured to accept connections from anyone on the same network. The threat of wormable malware propagating via corporate or public Wi-Fi networks is especially concerning.
2. MacOS – One-Click RCE (CVE-2025-24271 & CVE-2025-24137) If AirPlay is set to "Current User," attackers can exploit these CVEs to deploy malicious code with one click by the user. This raises the level of threat in shared office or home networks.
3. AirPlay SDK Devices – Zero-Click RCE (CVE-2025-24132) Third-party speakers and receivers through the AirPlay SDK are particularly susceptible, where exploitation requires no user intervention. Upon compromise, the attackers have the potential to play unauthorised media, turn microphones on, or monitor intimate spaces.
4. CarPlay Devices – RCE Over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB CVE-2025-24132 also affects CarPlay-enabled systems. Under certain circumstances, the perpetrators around can take advantage of predictable Wi-Fi credentials, intercept Bluetooth PINs, or utilise USB connections to take over dashboard features, which may distract drivers or listen in on in-car conversations.

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Other Exploits Beyond RCE

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AirBorne also opens the door for:

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• Sensitive Information Disclosure: Exposing private logs or user metadata over local networks (CVE-2025-24270).
• Local Arbitrary File Access: Letting attackers read restricted files on a device (CVE-2025-24270 group).
• DoS Attacks: Exploiting NULL pointer dereferences or misformatted data to crash processes like the AirPlay receiver or WindowServer, forcing user logouts or system instability (CVE-2025-24129, CVE-2025-24177, etc.).

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How the Attack Works: A Technical Breakdown

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AirPlay sends on port 7000 via HTTP and RTSP, typically encoded in Apple's own plist (property list) form. Exploits result from incorrect treatment of these plists, especially when skipping type checking or assuming invalid data will be valid. For instance, CVE-2025-24129 illustrates how a broken plist can produce type confusion to crash or execute code based on configuration.

A hacker must be within the same Wi-Fi network as the targeted device. This connection might be through a hacked laptop, public wireless with shared access, or an insecure corporate connection. Once in proximity, the hacker has the ability to use AirBorne bugs to hijack AirPlay-enabled devices. There, bad code can be released to spy, gain long-term network access, or spread control to other devices on the network, perhaps creating a botnet or stealing critical data.

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The Espionage Angle

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Most third-party AirPlay-compatible devices, including smart speakers, contain built-in microphones. In theory, that leaves the door open for such devices to become eavesdropping tools. While Oligo did not show a functional exploit for the purposes of espionage, the risk suggests the gravity of the situation.

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The CarPlay Risk Factor

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Besides smart home appliances, vulnerabilities in AirBorne have also been found for Apple CarPlay by Oligo. Those vulnerabilities, when exploited, may enable attackers to take over an automobile's entertainment system. Fortunately, the attacks would need pairing directly through USB or Bluetooth and are much less practical. Even so, it illustrates how networks of connected components remain at risk in various situations, ranging from residences to automobiles.

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How to Protect Yourself and Your Organisation

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1. Immediate Actions:

• Update Devices: Ensure all Apple devices and third-party gadgets are upgraded to the latest software version.
• Disable AirPlay Receiver: If AirPlay is not in use, disable it in system settings.
• Restrict AirPlay Access: Use firewalls to block port 7000 from untrusted IPs.
• Set AirPlay to “Current User” to limit network-based attack.

2. Organisational Recommendations:

• Communicate the patch urgency to employees and stakeholders.
• Inventory all AirPlay-enabled hardware, including in meeting rooms and vehicles.
• Isolate vulnerable devices on segmented networks until updated.

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Conclusion

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The AirBorne vulnerabilities illustrate that even mature systems such as Apple's are not immune from foundational security weaknesses. The extensive deployment of AirPlay across devices, industries, and ecosystems makes these vulnerabilities a systemic threat. Oligo's discovery has served to catalyse immediate response from Apple, but since third-party devices remain vulnerable, responsibility falls to users and organisations to install patches, implement robust configurations, and compartmentalise possible attack surfaces. Effective proactive cybersecurity hygiene, network segmentation, and timely patches are the strongest defences to avoid these kinds of wormable, scalable attacks from becoming large-scale breaches.

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References

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• https://www.oligo.security/blog/airborne
• https://www.wired.com/story/airborne-airplay-flaws/
• https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/wormable-airplay-flaws-enable-zero.html
• https://www.securityweek.com/airplay-vulnerabilities-expose-apple-devices-to-zero-click-takeover/
• https://www.pcmag.com/news/airborne-flaw-exposes-airplay-devices-to-hacking-how-to-protect-yourself
• https://cyberguy.com/security/hackers-breaking-into-apple-devices-through-airplay/

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Introduction

The digital expanse of the metaverse has recently come under scrutiny following a gruesome incident. In a digital realm crafted for connection and exploration, a 16-year-old girl’s avatar falls victim to an agonising assault that kindled the fire of ethno-legal and societal discourse. The incident is a stark reminder that the cyberverse, offering endless possibilities and experiences, also has glaring challenges that require serious consideration. The incident involves a sixteen-year-old teen girl being raped through her digital avatar by a few members of Metaverse. 

This incident has sparked a critical question of genuine psychological trauma inflicted by virtual experiences. The incident with a 16-year-old girl highlights the strong emotional repercussions caused by illicit virtual actions. While the physical realm remains unharmed, the digital assault can leave permanent scars on the psyche of the girl. This issue raises a critical question about the ethical implications of virtual interactions and the responsibilities of service providers to protect users' well-being on their platforms. 

The Judicial Quagmire 

The digital nature of these assaults gives impetus to complex jurisdictions which are profound in cyber offences. We are still novices in navigating the digital labyrinth where avatars have the ability to transcend borders with just a click of a mouse. The current legal structure is not equipped to tackle virtual crimes, calling for urgent reforms in critical legal structure. The Policymakers and legal Professionals must define virtual offenses first with clear and defined jurisdictional boundaries ensuring justice isn’t hampered due to geographical restrictions. 

Meta’s Accountability 

Meta, a platform where this gruesome incident occurred, finds itself at the crossroads of ethical dilemma. The company implemented plenty of safeguards that proved futile in preventing such harrowing acts. The incident has raised several questions about the broader role and responsibilities of tech juggernauts. Some of the questions demanding immediate answers as how a company can strike a balance between innovation and the protection of its users.  

The Tightrope of Ethics 

Metaverse is the epitome of innovation, yet this harrowing incident highlights a fundamental ethical contention. The real challenge is to harness the power of virtual reality while addressing the risks of digital hostilities. Society is still facing this conundrum, stakeholders must work in tandem to formulate robust and effective legal structures to protect the rights and well-being of users. This also includes balancing technological development and ethical challenges which require collective effort.  

Reflections of Society 

Beyond legal and ethical considerations, this act calls for wider societal reflections. It emphasises the pressing need for a cultural shift fostering empathy, digital civility and respect. As we tread deeper into the virtual realm, we must strive to cultivate ethos upholding dignity in both the digital and real world. This shift is only possible through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives and strong community engagement to foster a culture of respect and responsibility. 

Safer and Ethical Way Forward

A multidimensional approach is essential to address the complicated challenges cyber violence poses. Several measures can pave the way for safer cyberspace for netizens. 

• Legislative Reforms - There’s an urgent need to revamp legislative frameworks to mitigate and effectively address the complexities of these new and emerging virtual offences. The tech companies must collaborate with the government on formulating best practices and help develop standard security measures prioritising user protection.

• Public Awareness and Engagement - Initiating public awareness campaigns to educate users on crucial issues such as cyber resilience, ethics, digital detox and responsible online behaviour play a critical role in making netizens vigilant to avoid cyber hostilities and help fellow netizens in distress. Civil society organisations and think tanks such as CyberPeace Foundation are the pioneers of cyber safety campaigns in the country, working in tandem with governments across the globe to curb the evil of cyber hostilities. 
• Interdisciplinary Research: The policymakers should delve deeper into the ethical, psychological and societal ramifications of digital interactions. The multidisciplinary approach in research is crucial for formulating policy based on evidence. 

Conclusion 

The digital Gang Rape is a wake-up call, demanding the bold measure to confront the intricate legal, societal and ethical pitfalls of the metaverse. As we navigate digital labyrinth, our collective decisions will help shape the metaverse's future. By nurturing the culture of empathy, responsibility and innovation, we can forge a path honouring the dignity of netizens, upholding ethical principles and fostering a vibrant and safe cyberverse. In this significant movement, ethical vigilance, diligence and active collaboration are indispensable.

References:

• https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/virtual-gang-rape-reported-in-the-metaverse-probe-underway/article67705164.ece
• https://thesouthfirst.com/news/teen-uk-girl-virtually-gang-raped-in-metaverse-are-indian-laws-equipped-to-handle-similar-cases/