Skip to main content

Android bug allowed hackers to access phone cameras in the background

Facebook may be the least trusted company when it comes to online privacy, but it seems like Google is vying for the top spot. The company disclosed a new Android vulnerability that essentially allowed hackers to gain access to a smartphone’s camera. That’s even when the phone is locked.

The bug was actually discovered by Checkmarx and allowed hackers to bypass app permissions. Pixel phones were specifically affected, but it seems like the issue also affects phones from Samsung and other manufacturers too.

Recommended Videos

“Our team found that by manipulating specific actions and intents, an attacker can control the app to take photos and/or record videos through a rogue application that has no permissions to do so,” Checkmarx said in a blog post. “Additionally, we found that certain attack scenarios enable malicious actors to circumvent various storage permission policies, giving them access to stored videos and photos, as well as GPS metadata embedded in photos, to locate the user by taking a photo or video and parsing the proper EXIF data.”

After the blog post went live, Google confirmed the existence of the bug, however, it also said that the bug is no longer present. In other words, if you have the latest security update on your phone, you don’t need to worry about hackers being able to access your camera. At least, not from this specific issue.

“The issue was addressed on impacted Google devices via a Play Store update to the Google Camera Application in July 2019. A patch has also been made available to all partners,” Google said in a statement to Checkmarx.

This isn’t the only bug related to camera access in recent weeks. Recently, a bug was discovered that allowed Facebook to access the iPhone’s camera in the background. After the bug was discovered Facebook released a statement saying that it had inadvertently introduced the bug when fixing another issue — and that there was no evidence of photos or videos being uploaded to Facebook because of the bug. Of course, whether that’s true or not, it doesn’t bode well for Facebook in general, which has been involved in scandal after scandal related to user privacy.

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
The Google Pixel 9a may get an unexpected camera change
Pixel 9a 5K render.

There’s an interesting change that Google might be making on next year’s Pixel 9a. The change will bring something over from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, according to a new report from Android Headlines.

Per the report, the Pixel 9a will feature a 48-megapixel sensor instead of the 64MP primary sensor found on the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a. It’s likely the one found on Google’s second-generation foldable Pixel. The report explains that although the Pixel 9a will have a lower resolution sensor, the larger megapixels used should provide better-looking photos.

Read more
I tested the battery life of 3 popular smartwatches, and the results surprised me
Someone wearing the Pixel Watch 3, Galaxy Watch 7, and Apple Watch Series 10.

One of the biggest reasons that Ultra watches like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch Ultra appeal to so many people is the battery life, Both of thee watches offer a significant improvement over the regular versions. Meanwhile, for Pixel Watch lovers, there is no Ultra variant to choose from.

I’ve enjoyed the Apple Watch Series 10 so much that I've ditched my Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, it falls short in one area: the battery life. It’s a noticeable drop from the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and it’s easy to forget to charge it.

Read more
When will my phone get Android 15? Here’s everything we know
The Android 15 logo on a smartphone.

Android 15 is now available for certain Android phones. It's been in development since February, went through three phases, and is finally beginning to roll out, starting with Google's Pixel phones. If you're waiting for the latest software, well, you don't have long to wait.

If you’re wondering when your current Android smartphone will get the Android 15 update, here are all the details so far.
When is Android 15 coming out?

Read more