Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

posted by janrinok on Monday November 18 2019, @04:15PM   Printer-friendly
from the no-money-in-fixing-the-problem dept.

Pre-installed apps on low-end Android phones are full of security holes

In what has become an annual reckoning, security research company Kryptowire recently published its 2019 report on the state of manufacturer-installed software and firmware for Android devices and, to no one's surprise, they found more than 140 bugs which could be exploited for malicious purposes.

The DHS-funded report uncovered 146 apps, which come pre-installed on inexpensive Android handsets, would pull shenanigans like eavesdropping through the microphone, unilaterally changing their permissions or surreptitiously transmitting data back to the manufacturer without ever notifying the user.

Kryptowire found these bugs on phones from 29 different manufacturers from relatively unknowns like Cubot and Doogee to marquee companies include Sony. And given that the average Android come with anywhere from 100 to 400 apps pre-installed, often bundled as part of larger app suites, these vulnerabilities pose a growing threat to users.


Original Submission

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
  • (Score: 2) by Freeman on Monday November 18 2019, @05:03PM (1 child)

    by Freeman (732) on Monday November 18 2019, @05:03PM (#921574) Journal

    You get free infection vectors that you can't uninstall, are totally useless and we won't keep up to date. Enjoy!

    --
    Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"
    Starting Score:    1  point
    Karma-Bonus Modifier   +1  

    Total Score:   2  
  • (Score: 1) by fustakrakich on Monday November 18 2019, @05:43PM

    by fustakrakich (6150) on Monday November 18 2019, @05:43PM (#921601) Journal

    Makes for the perfect burner phone for traveling. Don't ever put your real name on it.

    --
    La politica e i criminali sono la stessa cosa..