Be wary of movies with subtitles. Those words appearing at the bottom of the screen can be annoying sometimes especially if they don't match what is spoken in the film. This time, hackers have found a way for viewers to detest subtitles even more. These cyber criminals have managed to hide malware inside these subtitle files.
Check Point, a security firm, made the discovery and promptly issued a warning to everyone who likes to watch with subtitles. The malicious code is inserted into files that are available in media players such as VLC, Popcorn Time, Kodi, and Stremio.
According to Forbes, the malicious subtitle files are downloaded along with the movie files. Once the media players parse the files, the hacker already gains control of the devices. The malicious files will infect computers and TVs without the user even knowing.
Currently, there are around 200 million media players and streamers that utilize the software. This means around 200 million people particularly their devices can fall victim to hacking via movie subtitles. The possible widespread cyber attack will allow hackers to take control of devices all over the world and the result can be alarming, to say the least.
Gizmodo reported that those watching films or shows that already have subtitles are deemed safe. To prevent falling victim to such cyber crime, it is advised that people stay clear of websites that allow users to download subtitles.
Those using any of the mentioned popular media players can avert a disaster of being hack through movie subtitles by updating them. Popcorn Time has already created a fixed version though it is not available yet to download on its website as of this writing. Both VLC and Stremio have officially fixed the issue and they are available to download from their respective websites. Kodi also has a fixed version. It is available as a source code though it is yet to be made downloadable from its website.
