Is Your Virtual Reality Headset Safe From "Inception Attacks"?

Thursday - March 14 2024, 04:25 UTC - 8 months ago

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered an "inception attack" that can be used to hijack VR headsets and manipulate users' social interactions. The attack exploits a vulnerability in Meta's Quest VR system and requires access to the victim's Wi-Fi network. Once set up, the attacker can steal sensitive information and manipulate what the user sees in the headset. This highlights the need for more thorough security research in the VR industry.

Virtual reality has become increasingly popular in recent years, with numerous companies releasing VR headsets to provide users with immersive experiences. However, as with any technology, there are always risks involved. In the case of VR headsets, there is a new type of attack that users need to be aware of: the "inception attack".In the movie Inception, Leonardo DiCaprio's character uses technology to enter people's dreams and manipulate their thoughts .

While this may seem like science fiction, a team of researchers from the University of Chicago has discovered a similar method that can be used in virtual reality. The attack exploits a security vulnerability in Meta's Quest VR system, allowing hackers to hijack users' headsets and manipulate their social interactions.The attack has not yet been used in the real world, but the potential consequences are concerning .

To execute the attack, the hacker must have access to the victim's Wi-Fi network, which adds an extra layer of difficulty. However, once the attack is set up, it can be used to steal sensitive information and manipulate social interactions, leaving users vulnerable to phishing, scams, and grooming.A spokesperson for Meta has stated that the company plans to review the researchers' findings and improve their security measures .

This incident highlights the need for more thorough security research in the virtual reality space, as current defenses are lacking. Additionally, the immersive nature of VR makes it harder for users to realize they've fallen into a trap, making it even more important for companies to prioritize security measures.The researchers behind the discovery, led by Heather Zheng, a computer science professor at the University of Chicago, have described the attack as a "stealth attack" .

It takes advantage of a loophole in Meta Quest headsets, where enabling "developer mode" to access certain features also allows attackers to gain access to the VR headset. This access can be repurposed to see the user's home screen and installed apps, providing valuable information to the hacker.Once the attacker has gathered this information, they can replicate the victim's home screen and applications, making it difficult for the user to realize they are being targeted .

The attack is then activated when the user exits an application and returns to the home screen. At this point, the attacker has control over what the user sees in the system and can also intercept the user's display and audio stream, which can be livestreamed back to them.This type of attack has far-reaching consequences, as demonstrated by the researchers' example of manipulating a user's online banking account .

By intercepting a user's login credentials, the attacker can manipulate the user's screen to show an incorrect bank balance. This could lead to financial losses for the user, as the attacker can also manipulate the amount of money they transfer through the headset.Jiasi Chen, an associate professor of computer science at the University of Michigan who researches virtual reality, has called the banking example particularly compelling .

While Chen was not involved in the research, they have highlighted the need for more rigorous security measures in the VR industry, as the technology continues to become more widely used.In conclusion, while virtual reality offers exciting immersive experiences, users must also be aware of potential security risks. The "inception attack" discovered by researchers at the University of Chicago serves as a reminder for companies to prioritize security measures and for users to remain vigilant when using VR headsets .