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Qualcomm Software Flaws Leave Many Android Phones Vulnerable

Aug 8, 2016, 10:14 AM by Rich Brome

A newly-discovered set of security vulnerabilities called "Quadrooter" leaves 900 million Android phones vulnerable to malicious software. The four flaws lie in Qualcomm's driver software, which is the low-level software "glue" that connects the Android OS to the specific Qualcomm processor chips that power most phones sold in the U.S. and elsewhere. The flaws allow installed malicious apps to gain complete "root" access to the device without prompting the user for any special permissions. Three of the issues have been fixed, but one remains unsolved. Manufacturers and carriers are responsible for pushing security updates with these fixes to end user devices. To avoid falling victim due to this and similar issues, phone users should always avoid apps from untrusted sources, and avoid untrusted public WiFi networks. The issue also highlights the importance of frequent and timely security updates, an area where some manufacturers have a dramatically better track record than others.

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Charles Bigelow

Aug 8, 2016, 3:48 PM

Qualcomm Software Flaws Leave Many Android Phones Vulnerable

Use common sense.
Do not download crap apps from any source and stay off Wifi in public places esp. airports.

thebriang

That's Great Advice... from 1998. There are many more ways one could be infected with malware in 2016, like a drive-by malware installer while visiting a site. Or a legit web page whose ad links have been infiltrated with malware that installs when y...
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