In a report made by Bkav Internet Security this week, it has been discovered that the Viber Android app may possess a function that allows a potential phone thief to gain full access to your phone, and it’s as simple as being sent a message.
Bkav have so far found that this exploit affects Samsung, HTC, and Sony phones and also the Nexus 4. Videos below for the flaw being exposed on a Samsung Galaxy SII and a Nexus 4.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQhNMJpAlto?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb4y_1cz8WY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
This is definitely not good for an app that has been downloaded by between 50 and 100 million Android users. And while it may actually require a fairly specific scenario for thieves to be able to use the exploit, I don’t think Viber will want to sit on this news for too long.
This follows in a long line of security flaws that have been exposed in recent weeks on Android phones and its applications. If talk of this exploit has you feeling paranoid, you can mitigate this by disabling Viber notifications.
Are all these flaws and exploits making you nervous about your phone? Share your fears below.
Source: Ars Technica
