Qualcomm, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) has reported four major vulnerabilities in Android devices that use its security microchips.
The issue is capable of affecting up to 900 million smartphones and other gadgets that use Qualcomm’s technology to keep your device safe. Dubbed “QuadRooter,” hackers can use a malicious app to infiltrate your device without special permission to do so.
Security firm Checkpoint discovered the four flaws and reported on the matter, noting the series of flaws at a Las Vegas hackers conference, DEF CON 24. Most of the world’s phones use Qualcomm’s technology, which accounts for 65% of the LTE broadband market.
The company has already issued patches for three of the four flaws, but there is only so much that Qualcomm can do. In order to fully fix the problem, Checkpoint notes that users must install a patch from their device’s distributor or carrier, and these patches can only be installed after Qualcomm launches its patches.
If hackers launch a cyberattack on your device, they will have access to personal data, including keylogging, GPS tracking, as well as recording video and audio.
Here is a list of devices that use Qualcomm chips and may be affected by the move:
- BlackBerry Priv
- Blackphone 1 and Blackphone 2
- Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, and Nexus 6P
- HTC One, HTC M9, and HTC 10
- LG G4, LG G5, and LG V10
- New Moto X by Motorola
- OnePlus One, OnePlus 2, and OnePlus 3
- Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung S7 Edge
- Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Qualcomm is based out of San Diego, and the company specializes on semiconductor and telecommunications gear.
QCOM stock is down 0.9% Monday.
