Trend Micro updates mobile app against Samsung attack

Trend Micro Inc. has released an update to its mobile security application that enables the software to detect attempts to exploit flaws on several Samsung Electronics devices. 

The update was prompted by the recent discovery of a fault in the Android kernel of some Samsung mobile phones and tablets which allows a virus to gain control of the units. 

 

“It is up to Samsung to patch this threat permanently,” Trend Micro said in its Security Intelligence Blog. “In the meantime, we have released a pattern which detects apps that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Users whose devices have Trend Micro Mobile Security are encouraged to update their devices with the latest pattern for protection until the vulnerability is fixed.” 

Related content 

Samsung devices exposed to Android exploit

Another BYOD threat: Free apps

Last Saturday users of the XDA Developers site reported the vulnerability on the online forum. They identified the affected products as: Samsung Galaxy Note; Samsung Galaxy Note 2; Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1; Samsung Galaxy S2; Samsung Galaxy S3; and the Samsung Galaxy Tab Plus.

A post on the online forum from a user called Chainfire said Samsung device user “should be very afraid of this exploit. Any app can use it to gain root without asking and without any permissions on a vulnerable device.”

“As a practical matter, there are no good steps users can take to mitigate this threat,” said Jonathan Leopando, technical communications specialist with Trend Micro. ”Until an official device patch is released, we urge consumers with vulnerable devices to exercise caution when downloading installations.”

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Nestor E. Arellano
Nestor E. Arellano
Toronto-based journalist specializing in technology and business news. Blogs and tweets on the latest tech trends and gadgets.

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now