RIM has posted a security advisory (KB19701) that all BlackBerry Desktop Manager versions earlier than version 5.0 contain a vulnerability that would allow a malicious user to remotely execute code on your computer:

This advisory relates to a vulnerability in a Lotus Notes Intellisync DLL that the BlackBerry Desktop Manager may use. This vulnerability may allow a malicious user to perform an attack that leverages social engineering to achieve remote code execution on the computer running the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. If the legitimate (logged in) user clicks a link to a malicious web site (for example, in an email message, in a browser, or an instant message) on the computer that is running the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, a vulnerability in an Intellisync component could allow the malicious user who sent the link or created the malicious web site to execute code on the computer using the privileges of the legitimate user.

Note: The affected Lotus Notes Intellisync DLL is included by default in all BlackBerry Desktop Manager installations. This vulnerability exists whether or not the DLL is used after installation.

Issue Severity: This vulnerability has a Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score of 9.3.

Issue Status: Vulnerability confirmed. For more information, see the Resolution section.

To avoid becoming a victim of a malicious user RIM is recommending everyone update their BlackBerry Desktop Manager immediately to at least version 5.0.1.  To download this update visit the BlackBerry Software Downloads page and select appropriate version in the drop-down menu. RIM has also issued the following workaround:

You can disable the Lotus Notes Intellisync functionality by unregistering the Intellisync component DLL, lnresobject.dll. Disabling the functionality prevents a malicious user from exploiting the vulnerability.

To unregister the DLL on the computer running the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, at a command line enter the command: regsvr32 /u “C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\IS71 Connectors\Lotus Notes5.0\lnresobject.dll”

via KB19701

@ASacco has done it again with yet another great article, this time focused on BlackBerry Desktop Manager (BBDM) for Mac.

Research In Motion (RIM) recently announced that it will finally release Macintosh-compatible desktop management software for BlackBerry handhelds this fall. I was lucky enough to get a quick hands-on demonstration this morning from RIM Product Manager Andrey Feldman at an event in New York City, and I dug up a few previously unannounced tidbits about RIM’s upcoming software release for Apple computer users with BlackBerrys.

Summary of the four things covered in the article about BBDM for Mac:

• Will not come with the Curve 8520
• It is aimed at consumer users
• Will be compatible with Apple PCs running Mac OS Leopard 10.5.5 and higher
• Not easy to load leaked BlackBerry Operating Systems

READ MORE @ CIO

Last week BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 was leaked and many were able to download it without a problem. Some, though, did run into some problems and did not make a backup, causing them to lose their BBM contacts.

I was actually surprised at the amount of people who did not know how to make a backup of their BlackBerry, so I decided to put together a guide with screenshots of how to do it.

Having a recent backup is important because if anything goes wrong and you lose address book contacts, messages, custom settings, custom words and more, you can easily restore it and it will be back as if they were never gone. Regular backups only include data, not applications, ringtones, wallpapers, etc.

There is a different kind of backup (which I will do a guide for also) which allows you to backup 3rd party applications in case your BlackBerry ever crashes and you don’t feel like installing every app one-by-one. For now though, I will show you how to backup and restore your BlackBerry and explain what the Advanced Backup and Restore option is for. Click the link below for the full guide.

How To: Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry

@saucewear let me know that someone she knows was able to update their BlackBerry Desktop Manager from v5.0.0.8 to v5.0.0.11 by connecting their BlackBerry Tour to their computer.

I tried to do it with my Curve 8900 but didn’t receive an update notice and I don’t see anything different on RIM’s Desktop Manager download page.

Was anyone else able to update their Desktop Manager by connecting their BlackBerry, or is this only available if you have a Tour?

The official RIM blog site Inside BlackBerry has announced that BlackBerry Desktop Manager is currently in the works for Mac computers and will be available soon!

Here are some key features the initial release will include:

• Sync your iTunes® playlists, calendars, contacts, notes and tasks
• Add/Remove applications
• Update your device when new software becomes available
• Backup and restore your device data with such features like automatically scheduled backups and optional encryption (security is #1 as always…)
• Manage multiple devices

This version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager will support Mac OS 10.5.5 and above.

This is great! Over the weekend I’ve had to tell a bunch of people that they couldn’t upgrade their OS with a Mac and it looks like that will no longer be the case.

Check out the rest of the screenshots after the jump or head on over to blackberry.com/mac to sign up for updates.

CONTINUE READING »

A few days ago Verizon released BlackBerry Desktop Manager v5.0.0.8 to their customers. I just got an email tip that RIM has officially released the same version for everyone on their main Desktop Software download page!

This version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager comes in either English or Multilanguage, and with or without a Media Manager. Make sure you download the correct version because there is a big difference in terms of the file size. For example, the smallest file size is the English only version with no Media Manager.

• Download: BlackBerry Desktop Manager v5.0

Over the weekend BlackBerry Desktop Manager v5.0.0.8 was leaked. Last time a Desktop Manager was leaked was in early April and that was version 5.0.

This version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager is not an official version so install at your own risk.

• Download via MegaUpload: BlackBerry Desktop Manager v5.0.0.8

Source: CrackBerry

With the leak of OS 5.0 for the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and the Bold 9000, it would only make sense for the BlackBerry Desktop Manager 5.0 to get leaked also.

• Download via RapidShare: BlackBerry Desktop Manager 5.0

REMEMBER: Install at your own risk.

Source: CrackBerry

CrackBerry Kevin was able to get some screencaps of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager 5.0.

There have been plenty of rumors and questions regarding 5.0. Which devices will get it? How soon?

From looking at the screencaps, there doesn’t seem to be anything special besides the version number itself. What might pique some interest is the fact that you need OS 5.0 on your BlackBerry to use BlackBerry Desktop Manager 5.0 .

Click on over to the CrackBerry post to see some more screencaps.

Download: BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.7

More about BlackBerry Desktop Manager.