Backdoor that Covertly Takes Snapshots Found in Kids’ Smartwatch

[upnorth]

Content source

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/10/a-watch-designed-exclusively-for-kids-has-an-undocumented-spying-backdoor/

A popular smartwatch designed exclusively for children contains an undocumented backdoor that makes it possible for someone to remotely capture camera snapshots, wiretap voice calls, and track locations in real time, a researcher said. The X4 smartwatch is marketed by Xplora, a Norway-based seller of children’s watches. The device, which sells for about $200, runs on Android and offers a range of capabilities

It turns out that the X4 contains something else: a backdoor that went undiscovered until some impressive digital sleuthing. The backdoor is activated by sending an encrypted text message. Harrison Sand, a researcher at Norwegian security company Mnemonic, said that commands exist for surreptitiously reporting the watch’s real-time location, taking a snapshot and sending it to an Xplora server, and making a phone call that transmits all sounds within earshot.

Sand also found that 19 of the apps that come pre-installed on the watch are developed by Qihoo 360, a security company and app maker located in China. A Qihoo 360 subsidiary, 360 Kids Guard, also jointly designed the X4 with Xplora and manufactures the watch hardware.

Undocumented backdoor that covertly takes snapshots found in kids’ smartwatch

The X4, made and jointly developed in China, raises concerns.

arstechnica.com

 

[Tutman]

Well I will never install or try Qihoo 360 again!

 

[TheBlueCreeper512]

Well, well, well Qihoo 360 strikes again

 

[bayasdev]

Time to blacklist Qihoo from my security vendors list

 

[Bryan320]

I'm glad i have never considered 360 security ever!!! They can kiss what ever reputation they had goodbye!

 

[show-Zi]

'My child is missing!'
'calm down! In case of an emergency, the devices we sell have hidden features! We know all the information about your child! '

......................It may have been equipped with a monitoring function for parents who are worried about their children's private lives.

 

[Cortex]

I hope President Trump isn't a member & reads this?