Researchers Uncover Unknown Android Flaws Used to Hack into Student's Phone

In a shocking revelation, researchers at Amnesty International have uncovered three previously unknown flaws in the Android operating system that were exploited by phone-unlocking companies to gain unauthorized access to personal devices. The discovery has significant implications for the security and privacy of millions of Android users worldwide.

According to the report published by Amnesty International on Friday, the vulnerabilities were discovered through an investigation into how phone-unlocking companies use forensic tools to unlock phones without the owner's consent. The researchers found that these companies have been using zero-day exploits, which are previously unknown vulnerabilities in software that can be used to gain access to a device.

The three zero-day vulnerabilities involved in this exploitation were created by a phone-unlocking company, although Amnesty International has chosen not to reveal the identity of the company in question. The report details how these vulnerabilities allowed authorities to unlock phones and potentially access sensitive personal data, including messages, photos, and location history.

Fortunately, Google has since acknowledged the flaws and taken steps to fix them, ensuring that Android users are no longer vulnerable to this type of exploitation. In a statement, a Google spokesperson said: "We take the security of our users' devices very seriously and have fixed these vulnerabilities as part of our ongoing efforts to protect against zero-day exploits."

The discovery highlights the ongoing threat posed by phone-unlocking companies that use forensic tools to gain unauthorized access to personal devices. It also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability from these companies, as well as from device manufacturers and operating system providers.

Amnesty International is calling on governments and industry leaders to take immediate action to address this issue and protect the rights of Android users worldwide. As one Amnesty International researcher noted: "The exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities poses a significant threat to personal freedom and security. We must work together to ensure that device manufacturers, operating system providers, and phone-unlocking companies prioritize transparency and accountability in their practices."