Security flaws within Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips have reportedly resulted in about one billion Android devices being put at risk of potential data theft. In a time when it is known that many Android devices are already vulnerable to theft and malware, due to previously documented defects, this research raises new questions over mobile security.
Qualcomm is one of the leading mobile chip manufacturers in the market. Among its products and services, the company produces digital signal processor (DSP) chips that provide numerous components central to mobile devices. The DSP chips offer operational support for charging, video, and audio capabilities. These chips also enhance the gaming experience on a mobile device. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon is a system on a chip that has been around since 2007. In addition to being used in cars and wearables, the Snapdragon line also powers mobile devices that equal about 40-percent of the overall smartphone market. This includes most Android devices, including those from from Google, Samsung, and LG.
New research from Check Point discovered that there were more than 400 vulnerable examples of code on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip. In its findings, Check Point explains that the chips introduce a new attack surface to mobile devices, and their complexities make it difficult for anyone other than the manufacturer to review them for safety. Check Point did say that it had disclosed its findings to Qualcomm and although the company acknowledged the flaws and notified vendors, there hasn’t been a fix issued for the errors yet. As a result, the technical details of the errors have not been disclosed, and likely won't until a solution is avaialble.
The Problems Found With Snapdragon Chips
According to the findings, the vulnerabilities in the chips could result in attackers spying on users with their own devices by monitoring GPS details and listening to audio. The flaws make it easy for attackers to grab photos, videos, and call data. Additionally, attackers could permanently render the phone unresponsive and/or lock the device owner out of their own data. Furthermore, attackers could use malware to camouflage their efforts so that the user would be unaware of the hacking.
Mobile security is not a new concern for Android device owners, especially with different Android apps that have been faulty and seen as a security liability. However, the scale and the nature of this latest threat is deeply troubling. Qualcomm and its Snapdragon chips are often seen as the industry standard for Android devices, and this research highlights just how vulnerable any chip can be. It is critical that this problem is fixed soon, so that the likelihood of Android devices (and their owners) are not compromised for longer than they need to be.
Source: Check Point
August 13, 2020 at 04:13AM
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Qualcomm Snapdragon DSP Chips Reportedly Putting Android Devices At Risk - Screen Rant
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