“A bug quietly reported on September 1 appears to have grave implications for Android users,” Peter Bright reports for Ars Technica. “Android Browser, the open source, WebKit-based browser that used to be part of the Android Open Source Platform (AOSP), has a flaw that enables malicious sites to inject JavaScript into other sites. Those malicious JavaScripts can in turn read cookies and password fields, submit forms, grab keyboard input, or do practically anything else.”
“This means that potentially any site visited in the browser could be stealing sensitive data. It’s a bug that needs fixing, and fast,” Bright reports. “As our monthly look at Web browser usage shows, Android Browser has a little more real-world usage than Chrome for Android, with something like 40-50 percent of Android users using the flawed browser.”
The Android Browser is likely to be embedded in third-party products, too, and some Android users have even installed it on their Android 4.4 phones because for one reason or another they prefer it to Chrome,” Bright reports. “Timely availability of Android updates remains a sticking point for the operating system, so even if Google develops a fix, it may well be unavailable to those who actually need it.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: “Open.” As in, wide.
Are you stuck in the fragmandroid swamp? It’s time to stop settling for less than the best. With Apple’s all new, 64-bit smartphones, the gorgeous 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the stunning 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, there’s never been a better time to stop settling for chintzy, risky imitations and make the move to the real thing.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “RL” for the heads up.]
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