A security flaw in Android smartphones from companies like Google and Samsung allowed malicious apps to record video, take photos, and capture audio, uploading the content to a remote server sans user permission.
The vulnerability was discovered by security firm Checkmarx, and was highlighted today by Ars Technica. The flaw had the potential to leave high-value targets open to having their surroundings illicitly recorded by their smartphones.
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Android is meant to prevent apps from accessing the camera and the microphone on a smartphone without user permission, but with this particular exploit, an app could use the camera and the microphone to capture video and audio without express user consent. All an app needed to do was get permission to access a device's storage, which is commonly granted as most apps ask for this.
To demonstrate how the flaw worked, Checkmarx created a proof-of-concept app that appeared to be a weather app on the surface but was scooping up copious amounts of data in the background.
The app was able to take pictures and record videos even when the phone's screen was off or the app was closed, as well as access location data from the photos. It was able to operate in stealth mode, eliminating the camera shutter sound, and it could also record two-way phone conversations. All of the data was able to be uploaded to a remote server.
When the exploit was used, the screen of the smartphone being attacked would display the camera when recording video or taking a photo, which would let affected users know what was going on. It could be used secretly when a smartphone display was out of sight or when a device was placed screen down, and there was a feature for using the proximity sensor to determine when a smartphone was facedown.
Google addressed the vulnerability in its Pixel phones through a camera update that was launched back in July, and Samsung has also fixed the vulnerability, though it's not known when. From Google:
"We appreciate Checkmarx bringing this to our attention and working with Google and Android partners to coordinate disclosure. The issue was addressed on impacted Google devices via a Play Store update to the Google Camera Application in July 2019. A patch has also been made available to all partners."
From Samsung:
"Since being notified of this issue by Google, we have subsequently released patches to address all Samsung device models that may be affected. We value our partnership with the Android team that allowed us to identify and address this matter directly."
According to Checkmarx, Google has said that Android phones from other manufacturers could also be vulnerable, so there may still be some devices out there that are open to attack. Google has not disclosed specific makers and models.
Since this is an Android bug, Apple's iOS devices are not affected by the security flaw.
It's not known why apps were able to access the camera without user permission. In an email to Ars Technica, Checkmarx speculated that it could potentially be related to Google's decision to make the camera work with Google Assistant, a feature that other manufacturers may have also implemented.
Top Rated Comments
Apple - "Yeah, register, prove who you are, let us check the app before it gets released, Nah buggy and a resource hog, fix it, ok done, fine it's available on the store"
Android users - but I get a really open app store and can download anything I want, apple store is ****.
Apple users - I saw you in the shower last night.
Yeah, right. On a Google OS?
The article also states that Google already pushed out an update to patch the issue. As for other manufacturers putting out a fix, we already know carriers play a role in how fast can get patch updates for Android.
I'm a long time iOS user, was on a Pixel 2 for a year and a half. You know why? Because it's a great phone. And Android is a fantastic platform that can do A LOT of things better than iOS can. At least with an Android, you don't feel like you're using a device in a way the manufacturer wants you to, which is my biggest criticism of iOS as both a user and a UX Designer.
This crapping all over Android is absolutely ridiculous, especially in the forums on this site. Competition is good for both iOS and Android users. And Android does offer a ton of that. It makes both platforms better and gives users more choice. Don't sit here and try to act like you're above people that choose a platform that isn't the one you chose. Because it doesn't satisfy your needs doesn't mean it fails for someone else. You don't know their workflows, use cases, etc.