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Android hit with major security flaw… again

Jordan O'Brien
June 7, 2013

Android is suffering yet more security issues, with IT security firm Kapersky claiming that it has discovered the “most sophisticated” Android Trojan.

The firm uncovered that the Trojan was capable of sending SMS to premium-rate number, downloading and installing other malware programs, as well as being capable of sending them via Bluetooth, and remotely performing commands in the console.

Kapersky Lab’s says this malicious program is called Backdoor.AndroidOS.Obad.a, and exploits an error in the DEX2JAR software, which is typically used to convert Android APK files into a JAR format.

Since this Trojan works in the background, it makes it a lot harder to detect for ordinary users and what’s more it’s impossible to remove after gaining administrator permissions, thanks to a previously unknown Android vulnerability.

Google has been notified about the issues according to Kapersky representatives, although don’t go ditching your Android devices just yet, as Kapersky estimates that it amounts to no more than 0.15% of all malware infection attempts on mobiles.

About the Author

Jordan O'Brien

Technology Journalist with an unhealthy obsession with trains and American TV. Attempts satire far too often. (+44) 020 7324 3502

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