More than a billion Android devices using Snapdragon chips have security flaws

A serious vulnerability in Qualcomm processors could be exploited to gain root access on more than a billion Android devices.

According to HackerNews, Trend Micro security experts have warned Android users about some silly mistakes butseriousexists in the kernel code of Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to take control of all functions on the device.

Snapdragon 810, 805 and 800 chips have serious security vulnerabilities.

With root access, hackers can steal personal data including emails, messages, photos, etc. or control photo and recording functions. Security experts also note that Snapdragon has an SoC structure - a system on a chip, including Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity - so the problem becomes even more serious.

Although Google released an update after learning about the threat, users were not immediately upgraded. The reason is that updates have to go through many stages, under multi-layered control before reaching users.

Some devices in the Google Nexus line will be patched first, including the Nexus 5X, 6P, 6, 5, 4, 7, 9, and Nexus 10. Meanwhile, products from other manufacturers have to wait a long time, and that time is enough for hackers to exploit the security hole.

All smartphones powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series chips, including 800, 805, and 810 running kernel version 3.10, are affected. The bug exists on Android versions 4 through 6.

It is estimated that more than one billion Android devices are affected by this vulnerability.

According to VNE