newjerseynewsroom.com

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

While a lot of people may be gearing up for the upcoming release of the iPhone 5, a technology blog is warning Apple that operating system iOS 6 may contain a flaw.

The tech blog is saying that a security problem in the iOS system may make users vulnerable to receiving texts from hackers.

According to the pod2g blog, an optional code known as User Data Header at the beginning of an SMS text lets a user change the reply address of the message. The person receiving the text will reply to the changed address if their phone is compatible. This might allow a hacker to text for some private information or send a user to a phony website, as in phishing.

"The blog said that most carriers don't check that part of the text, which will allow a possible spammer to write whatever number or message they want in that section," according to the International Business Times.

According to PCMag.com, the person receiving the text will be able to see that they are responding to a different number when the system is working properly. Preferably the system will display the number the text recipient was now replying to, along with the original phone number.

The Huffington Post notes that iPhones only display the "reply to" part of a text, and iOS users cannot check to see the address where their text response was actually delivered.

The Pod2g blog is asking Apple address the flaw before iOS 6 releases in September.