Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google has apparently eliminated a probably weak third-party app that shipped on Pixel units offered by way of Verizon.
- This comes after a so-called Showcase.apk app on Verizon Pixels was found to be a safety danger.
Safety researchers lately found a probably weak third-party app on Pixel units offered by way of Verizon. Google confirmed that it might be eradicating this app from supported units by way of a Pixel software program replace. Now, it appears like an replace has certainly eliminated this APK.
Google revealed that it’s pushing out a September replace to Pixel units. The replace’s changelog confirms {that a} third-party app has been eliminated.
“Repair to take away third-party APK to handle safety vulnerability,” reads an excerpt of the changelog. Google’s September replace additionally provides a repair for Wi-Fi stability and efficiency, making use of to the Pixel 9 collection, together with the Pixel 9 Professional Fold.
Say goodbye to Showcase in your Pixel
Google notes that the app elimination applies to the Pixel 6 collection, Pixel 7 vary, Pixel 8 collection, the Pixel Pill, and the Pixel Fold. It doesn’t particularly point out the offending Showcase.apk app, however we’re not conscious of another pre-installed third-party APKs on Pixels with a reported vulnerability.
Cell safety agency iVerify found the vulnerability within the Showcase app a number of weeks in the past. The app, which is used to demo options on units in Verizon shops, may go away customers open to man-in-the-middle assaults, spy ware installations, and extra.
The excellent news is that the offending APK isn’t enabled by default. Google additionally claimed on the time that unhealthy actors wanted bodily entry to your gadget and your password to reap the benefits of this flaw. However, this was nonetheless an app vulnerability that wanted to be addressed, so we’re glad Google has seemingly taken motion right here.
