When Google released Android (based on the Linux kernel) a few years back, the realm of possibilities for mobile operating systems doubtlessly expanded in a massive manner. The embedded user-friendly interface not just made corresponding to real-world actions facile through its touchscreen, but also revealed great possibilities for manipulating on-screen subjects.
However, despite the several benefits that Android provides as an operating system, it has in recent times revealed a slew of security flaws - causing significant security concerns for users worldwide. This is absolutely obvious for any Operating System to have some security issues or bugs; but there are some unacceptable security issues within android which is really a bad sign for Google considering its current market penetration. In this circumstance, other operating systems like iOS and Windows have been pegging away at strengthening the security blanket for their mobile devices, Android seems to be either stuck or struggling with its security vulnerabilities.
Listed below are some security flaws that Google’s widely popular Android OS has been trying to deal with of late, however: we hope the OS soon overcomes its weakness, and provides users with an enhanced, more secure user experience.
The Certifi-gate mRST flaw
One of the most troublesome flaws that have attacked Android of late is a failing in two mobile Remote Support Tool (mRST) plug-in (embedded by a large number of manufacturers). The error has affected up to Android 5.1 versions, and shockingly provides attackers with an access to complete remote control over a mobile device. And unfortunately, these remote support tools cannot be eliminated or taken off by the end user. This is the biggest trouble with the Android operating system and it is creating a strong vibe against Android in the industry. This loophole is revealed by Check Point i.e. a security company at Las Vegas. It also puts a question mark on the Android device manufacturers like Samsung, LG, HTC and ZTE etc. After this, the industry is really in cumbersome about their stand for Android. Even it makes the Android developer think twice before putting their best effort for a quality app. The products affected include TeamViewer, Rsupport and CommuniTake Remote. The flaw is yet to be fixed.
Stagefright
Recently, Zimperium a security company published that, there is a terrific security loophole within Android. It named it as a "unicorn" of vulnerability in the Android operating system. Stagefright is that unicorn. Apparently, this one is the most detrimental security flaw ever to attack Android. Stagefright, which has affected all versions up to 5.1, straightaway targets the media playback component and lets attackers exploit the media playback component by sending a malicious video message to nearly any possible Android powered device. This is usually performed while sending an MMS (Text message) to any device. This is done by a mechanism called as “libStageFright”- from which the term StageFright comes. However, what is more frightening is that Stagefright does not really need any user interaction to get started, and could even make itself invisible by deleting itself which is extremely awful.
Android Installer hijacking
This is another damaging security flaw that Android has been arrested by. The security vulnerability basically works by letting attackers replace one installer with another one - when using third-party application stores. Although it has an effect on older mobile devices, Android Installer hijacking reveals the likelihood of allowing a detrimental application replace a legitimate application without the user realizing it. In fact, the application gets replaced with a benign-looking different app which is extremely vulnerable. Now with this benign-looking app, it gets full access to user data like phone contacts, PIN, Photos etc. Although, there are many apps available in the Play store like Installer hijacking scanner and Installer hijacking defender etc. still, there is always a chance of information hijack in Android.
Android FakeID
Although Android FakeID affected almost every mobile device from the version 2.1 to version 4.3, the security flaw was considerably serious (when it hit the IS back in 2014). The flaw rendered the possibility for malicious attackers to hijack the trusted status of a genuine application. This would be carried out by smartly counterfeiting the genuine application’s digital certificate. It not just hindered the growth for Android OS security, but also made it highly vulnerable to other security errors.
Linux futex ‘TowelRoot’
Amongst other clutch of flaws that has largely affected Android in recent times is Linux futex ‘TowelRoot.’ It can corrupt any device; almost every device under Android Ecosystem in a glimpse. The biggest part of this loophole is that, it works within the kernel level, so it can make rooting attack to any device. The OS error viciously targets the futex subsystem, and is actually an odd kernel level security flaw. The flaw, discovered back in June 2014, ended up affecting most Android powered devices running the version of 4.4. However, Google has now fixed up the issue.
Just a text
The most serious of all, perhaps! This security flaw actually does ample harm by letting hackers invade into someone’s mobile device and take complete control over. And just by knowing the phone number. Although Google has been hammering away at fixing this deadly security issue, the attack simply requires the user to either open an attachment or download a file that is crooked. Once the user opens an attachment or downloads an infected file, the flaw releases a harmful code - which further goes on to control the mobile device. The attack is strangely very detrimental as it tends to create a short video, secretes the malware in it and messages it to the user’s mobile number. Well, Google is working around-the-clock to fix this one up, and it is so badly needed to be.
There is no doubt that security and performance are two most important factors that any mobile device manufacturer aims at accomplishing. Considering the fact that they both are intertwined, it becomes even more necessary to ensure that the operating systems steer clear of any possible security vulnerabilities.
While Google is busy these days with regularly scheduling security upgrades, Android users can only look forward to anticipating enhanced security. In a recent statement, however, Google stated: “As soon as we are made aware of the security vulnerability, we immediately take necessary steps to protect our users.”
However, despite the several benefits that Android provides as an operating system, it has in recent times revealed a slew of security flaws - causing significant security concerns for users worldwide. This is absolutely obvious for any Operating System to have some security issues or bugs; but there are some unacceptable security issues within android which is really a bad sign for Google considering its current market penetration. In this circumstance, other operating systems like iOS and Windows have been pegging away at strengthening the security blanket for their mobile devices, Android seems to be either stuck or struggling with its security vulnerabilities.Listed below are some security flaws that Google’s widely popular Android OS has been trying to deal with of late, however: we hope the OS soon overcomes its weakness, and provides users with an enhanced, more secure user experience.
The Certifi-gate mRST flaw
One of the most troublesome flaws that have attacked Android of late is a failing in two mobile Remote Support Tool (mRST) plug-in (embedded by a large number of manufacturers). The error has affected up to Android 5.1 versions, and shockingly provides attackers with an access to complete remote control over a mobile device. And unfortunately, these remote support tools cannot be eliminated or taken off by the end user. This is the biggest trouble with the Android operating system and it is creating a strong vibe against Android in the industry. This loophole is revealed by Check Point i.e. a security company at Las Vegas. It also puts a question mark on the Android device manufacturers like Samsung, LG, HTC and ZTE etc. After this, the industry is really in cumbersome about their stand for Android. Even it makes the Android developer think twice before putting their best effort for a quality app. The products affected include TeamViewer, Rsupport and CommuniTake Remote. The flaw is yet to be fixed.
Stagefright
Recently, Zimperium a security company published that, there is a terrific security loophole within Android. It named it as a "unicorn" of vulnerability in the Android operating system. Stagefright is that unicorn. Apparently, this one is the most detrimental security flaw ever to attack Android. Stagefright, which has affected all versions up to 5.1, straightaway targets the media playback component and lets attackers exploit the media playback component by sending a malicious video message to nearly any possible Android powered device. This is usually performed while sending an MMS (Text message) to any device. This is done by a mechanism called as “libStageFright”- from which the term StageFright comes. However, what is more frightening is that Stagefright does not really need any user interaction to get started, and could even make itself invisible by deleting itself which is extremely awful.
Android Installer hijacking
This is another damaging security flaw that Android has been arrested by. The security vulnerability basically works by letting attackers replace one installer with another one - when using third-party application stores. Although it has an effect on older mobile devices, Android Installer hijacking reveals the likelihood of allowing a detrimental application replace a legitimate application without the user realizing it. In fact, the application gets replaced with a benign-looking different app which is extremely vulnerable. Now with this benign-looking app, it gets full access to user data like phone contacts, PIN, Photos etc. Although, there are many apps available in the Play store like Installer hijacking scanner and Installer hijacking defender etc. still, there is always a chance of information hijack in Android.
Android FakeID
Although Android FakeID affected almost every mobile device from the version 2.1 to version 4.3, the security flaw was considerably serious (when it hit the IS back in 2014). The flaw rendered the possibility for malicious attackers to hijack the trusted status of a genuine application. This would be carried out by smartly counterfeiting the genuine application’s digital certificate. It not just hindered the growth for Android OS security, but also made it highly vulnerable to other security errors.
Linux futex ‘TowelRoot’
Amongst other clutch of flaws that has largely affected Android in recent times is Linux futex ‘TowelRoot.’ It can corrupt any device; almost every device under Android Ecosystem in a glimpse. The biggest part of this loophole is that, it works within the kernel level, so it can make rooting attack to any device. The OS error viciously targets the futex subsystem, and is actually an odd kernel level security flaw. The flaw, discovered back in June 2014, ended up affecting most Android powered devices running the version of 4.4. However, Google has now fixed up the issue.
Just a text
The most serious of all, perhaps! This security flaw actually does ample harm by letting hackers invade into someone’s mobile device and take complete control over. And just by knowing the phone number. Although Google has been hammering away at fixing this deadly security issue, the attack simply requires the user to either open an attachment or download a file that is crooked. Once the user opens an attachment or downloads an infected file, the flaw releases a harmful code - which further goes on to control the mobile device. The attack is strangely very detrimental as it tends to create a short video, secretes the malware in it and messages it to the user’s mobile number. Well, Google is working around-the-clock to fix this one up, and it is so badly needed to be.
There is no doubt that security and performance are two most important factors that any mobile device manufacturer aims at accomplishing. Considering the fact that they both are intertwined, it becomes even more necessary to ensure that the operating systems steer clear of any possible security vulnerabilities.
While Google is busy these days with regularly scheduling security upgrades, Android users can only look forward to anticipating enhanced security. In a recent statement, however, Google stated: “As soon as we are made aware of the security vulnerability, we immediately take necessary steps to protect our users.”
