New Vulnerability Exposes 1.4 Bn Android Devices To Security Threat | TechTree.com

New Vulnerability Exposes 1.4 Bn Android Devices To Security Threat

With this new flaw in the Linux kernel, attackers can now spy on users, and control all activity remotely.

 

Just when everyone were working themselves around the Quadrooter vulnerability, there is a new vulnerability which exposes 1.4 billion (approximately 80 per cent of devices) Android devices to remote attacks by hackers.

According to mobile security firm Lookout, all users who are working on unencrypted data traffic, or simply having encrypted data being degraded, will allow for hacking spies to remotely view and control all activity by the users. The vulnerability was revealed recently at the USENIX Security 2016 conference in TCP and reportedly has been a part of the Linux system since 2012, or rather all devices running on Android 4.4 Kitkat or later.

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As revealed by NDTV, the attackers would be able to detect communications over a TCP connection, and if they find anything unencrypted, then it could insert malicious code in the data traffic. The Lookout blog also mentioned, "While a man in the middle attack is not required here, the attacker still needs to know a source and destination IP address to successfully execute the attack."

The immediate advice that they are handing out is Android users need to consider VPN connection for their data security and privacy. Due to the complexity involved the firm has rated this risk as 'moderate', but makes it clear that targeted attacks could well occur in the future.

Lookout has gone on to say that even though the security patch for the Linux kernel was created on July 11, the latest iteration of the Android OS, the 7.0 Nougat, developer preview didn't seem to be patched up against this vulnerability yet. However, a Google representative did mention about being aware of the security vulnerability and taking actions to fill the security gap, and has rated the risk as moderate instead of high, like some of the past security flaws. 

Recommended:

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TAGS: Android Security Flaw, Linux Kernel, Linux Flaw, Android

 
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