Communications of the ACM
Researchers Find Some Smartphone Models More Vulnerable to Attack
Credit: zmescience.com
The preloaded applications of some smartphones specifically designed to support the Android mobile platform could make the devices more vulnerable to hackers, according to North Carolina State University (NCSU) researchers.
In tests of eight smartphone models, the researchers found that hackers could use the features as a backdoor to record phone calls, send text messages to premium numbers that will charge an account, or clear all settings.
"Some of these preloaded applications, or features, are designed to make the smartphones more user-friendly, such as features that notify you of missed calls or text messages," says NCSU professor Xuxian Jiang. "The problem is that these preloaded apps are built on top of the existing Android architecture in such a way as to create potential 'backdoors' that can be used to give third-parties direct access to personal information or other phone features."
The smartphone models that showed significant vulnerabilities were HTC's Legend, EVO 4G, and Wildfire S, Motorola's Droid X, and Samsung's Epic 4G. The researchers also plan to test other smartphone models.
From NCSU News
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