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Hackers can get past the Galaxy Note 2’s lock screen — if their fingers are fast enough.
A minor security vulnerability has been found in Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 2 smartphone-tablet hybrid, which leaves the door open to fast-fingered ne’er-do-wells.
The flaw, first discovered by Terence Eden, finds that certain apps and widgets can be briefly accessed with a few taps from the lock screen. Somewhat tricky to accomplish, it requires the user to press the “Emergency Call” icon, then the ICE (in case of emergency) button, and then hold down the home button. With success, one could tap a direct-dial widget or select applications.
Not all apps will open in this manner; the video shows that Google Play does not respond. Reportedly, Eden contacted Samsung roughly five days ago but has yet to hear back. CNET has also contacted Samsung and will update the article when the company responds.
Security issues of this sort are not new to smartphones and tend to rally the troops on both sides of the fence. Instinct tells me that a patch is already in the works and will be included in the next software update.
