A security researcher warns that chips that enable modern telephone functions such as fast charging or noise suppression could open the door to hackers and quickly become an Achilles heel, as Cnet reported.
Photo: Qualcomm
The diverse possibilities of modern processors, which are also described as “a complete computer in a single chip”, also mean that hackers are offered numerous security holes for potential misuse. The security researchers at Check Point are now warning of this.
Makkaveev extensively researched Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip, which can be found in over 40 percent of all Android devices. The researcher found more than 400 vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers to hide malicious malware or even render the device inoperable.
In a Defcon presentation, security researcher Slava Makkaveev wants to demonstrate that the processors are basically the perfect gateways for attackers to gain control over Android devices.
Since these are potential security risks, Check Point did not specify the vulnerabilities. Qualcomm itself confirmed the vulnerabilities and issued warnings about the errors. The problems remain a security risk, however, unless the phone manufacturers themselves deliver security updates to their customers.
“We worked diligently to validate the problems and provide corrective measures,” Qualcomm said in a statement, adding that there is still no evidence that the vulnerabilities are currently being exploited by hackers. “We encourage end users to update their devices as soon as patches are available and only install applications from trusted locations such as the Google Play Store,” said Qualcomm.
The security researchers at Check Point assume that the processors offer many more vulnerabilities that have not yet been discovered. Check Point also hopes that in the future several security researchers will take care of the hardware and take a close look at it. (PC world)