Android MMS Security Flaw?

[Android Central Question]

Hi all,

I was wondering if I could please ask some advice.

This morning I received a MMS video message on my phone from an unknown number, I opened the message but once I seen it was a video I deleted it without playing the video because I didn't recognise the senders' number.

I mentioned it to a friend who is a bit more tech savvy than me and he said that it was very dangerous and that there is a flaw with Android phones that allows malicious viruses/malware to be distributed by MMS message and that I should factory reset my phone and change my passwords etc.

Unfortunately the default setting in my phone's messaging app is to automatically download/retrieve MMS messages, so this message was downloaded to my phone, I have since changed that setting.

Factory resetting my phone is not something that I want to do because it will be VERY time consuming to get my phone back to how it is now and backup all my data etc. so I was wondering if anyone could provide advice as to whether my phone would be at risk or not.

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S10+ and has the latest security patch installed (July 2019).

Would my phone be at risk or am I worrying for nothing?

Thanks for any help I'm a bit stressed about it!

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, welcome to Android Forums

I'd like to recommend creating a account so me or other members can assist you, as guest have limitations in replying here and if we need further Information to communicate with you.

I'll provide a link to register, please come back to your post so we can further assist you . Thank you

https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=409154

 

[mustang7757]

I think you'll be ok

 

[methodman89]

If you tap on a link or attachment without knowing the source, Android, Apple and MS can't help you.
Pretend it's a computer. Would you click on a spam link in your mailbox?
Me neither.

 

[Mooncatt]

There was a vulnerability that allowed an attack like this year's ago, but it's been patched and your phone would've had that fix out of the box. So unless someone found a new vulnerability (which would be big news, and I haven't heard of it), you are likely fine.