Phones
Serious Android security leak affected Samsung devices
Samsung and many other Android devices are at risk due to a major security leak. This security vulnerability has led to the creation of trusted malware apps that can access the entire Android operating system on these devices.
As per the new information, Google Android Partner Vulnerability Initiative (APVI) has openly revealed a new exposure that affected various Android devices from OEMs like Samsung, LG, Xiaomi, and more (via Mishaal Rahman).
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The company has also shared the reason why this happened. According to the report, many Android OEMs have leaked the signing keys of their platforms outside their respective companies, which has led to a security leak.
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Created by the device manufacturer, this signing key is used to ensure that your device’s Android version is a valid one. Meanwhile, one can also use the same key to sign different apps and this is what the hackers did.
The key’s design clears that Android trusts any app that is signed with the same key used to sign the operating system. With those app signing keys, a malicious attacker can easily use Android’s “shared user ID” system to grant malware full, system-level permissions on an affected device. In short, an attacker can get access to all the data available on any device.
It is worth mentioning that this Android security leak vulnerability not only appears when installing a new or unknown app, but already available system applications can also be affected by security.
As these leaked platform keys are also used to sign normal apps in some cases, an attacker could add malware to a trusted app, with the same key as a malicious version. can sign it, and Android will trust it as an “update”.
For example, the Samsung Bixby app, which comes pre-installed on Galaxy devices, can also direct to a security leak. This method will work whether an app originally came from Play Store, Galaxy Store, or was sideloaded.
Moreover, Google does not officially disclose which devices or OEMs were affected, but it does display hashes of example malware files. Helpfully, each file is uploaded to VirusTotal, which often also reveals the name of the company affected, which includes:
- Samsung
- LG
- Mediatek
- szroco (makers of Walmart’s Onn tablets)
- Revoview
Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphones are here and the company has begun pre-ordering the phones on the official website. At the same time, T-Mobile US has also started Galaxy S23 pre-orders with additional discounts and benefits.
It is worth mentioning that the company will officially start selling these devices on February 17. Meanwhile, if you pre-order the Galaxy S23 from T-Mobile now, you will get your phone on your door steps on February 17.
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Starting price of Galaxy S23 at T-Moble US:
- Galaxy S23 – $799.99
- Galaxy S23+ – $999.99
- Galaxy S23 Ultra – $1,199.99
But if you pre-order any of the Galaxy S23 smartphones from T-Mobile, you will get multiple discounts and benefits, including a free storage upgrade. Additionally, the US carrier is offering up to $1000 off on these devices with a new line on Magenta Max or the Galaxy S23+ free through trade-in.
At the same time, buyers can also get up to $500 on the Galaxy S23+ with an eligible trade-in on any plan while the S23 Ultra will set you back $200 if you have something good to swap.
- In case you want to buy S23 from Verizon – Pre-order Samsung Galaxy S23 at Verizon US and get Watch 5 or Tab S7 FE for free
You can check out the key specs of all three smartphones below:
| Device name | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Samsung Galaxy S23 |
| Display | 6.8″, 120Hz | 6.6″, 120Hz | 6.1″, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Storage | 8GB + 128GB/256GB | 8GB + 256GB/512GB | 12GB + 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Software | Android 13 One UI 5.1 | Android 13 One UI 5.1 | Android 13 One UI 5.1 |
| Rear Camera | Primary: 200MP Ultrawide: 12MP Telephoto 1: 10MP (3x) Telephoto 2: 10MP (10x) |
Primary: 50MP Ultrawide: 12MP Telephoto: 10MP (3x) |
Primary: 50MP Ultrawide: 12MP Telephoto: 10MP (3x) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh | 3900mAh |
| Charging | Wired: 45W Wireless: 10W |
Wired: 45W Wireless: 10W |
Wired: 25W Wireless: 10W |
With the launch of Samsung Galaxy S23, the company has started taking pre-orders of the devices with a lot of benefits. Meanwhile, if you are planning to buy a Galaxy S23 smartphone from Verizon US, there are even more pre-order gifts and discounts.
The largest mobile carrier in the US is offering a free Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Tab S7 FE on the purchase of any of three Galaxy S23 models to let the consumers get the most out of the Galaxy ecosystem.
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In addition to this, Samsung customers who pre-order the Galaxy S23 from Verizon will also get a free memory upgrade. It means you can purchase the 256GB model at the cost of 128GB (S23) and the 512GB model for the price of the 256GB. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 Ultra buyers will get the 1TB variant for the price of 512GB.
Moreover, the customers switching to Verizon from other US carriers will also get a $200 Verizon eCard after they sign up. Lastly, buyers switching to Version or upgrading their current phone are eligible to get a Galaxy S23 for free when trading in select smartphones and signing up for qualified 5G Unlimited plans.
The original starting costs of Samsung Galaxy S23 at Verizon US are:
- Galaxy S23 – $799.99
- Galaxy S23+ – $999.99
- Galaxy S23 Ultra – $1,199.99
You will be able to purchase the S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra at a monthly payment plan starting at $22.22, $27.77, or $33.33 per month for 36 months.
Samsung is all set to reveal the Galaxy S23 series, while, tipsters are now sharing the remaining stuff they have in their stock. Thanks to a reliable source EvanBlass, we can now experience the upcoming Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra phones in 3D view.
Recently, the source revealed graphical imagery of the Galaxy S23 series and renders of official cases. In addition to accessories, Evan shared Source (1, 2, 3) the 3D view models of the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra in the highest resolution, giving us the best look yet, from each angle!
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Below, we have embedded the 3D model preview of the Galaxy S23 series smartphones. As soon as you tap the play button, the 3D model will prepare its assets to deliver the cleanest look on your phone’s display. Due to hard codes, the page might lag, hence, we recommend you don’t hurry if it takes a while to load.
S23 Ultra
S23 Plus
S23
Notably, Samsung Israel has recently confirmed that if you purchase Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in Israel, you will get Buds 2 and a wireless charging pad as free gifts. Do note that the deadline to be eligible for these free gifts is February 16, 2023, with a minimum of 1500 units available.