Ina Fried

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Samsung Working to Fix Security Flaw on Some of Its Android Devices

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Chain image copyright Evgeny Mukhin

Samsung said Wednesday that it is working to fix a security flaw related to the lock screen on its Android devices.

The flaw, posted on Terence Eden’s website, could allow a user to skip any security measures and open any app. Eden also posted a video showing how the flaw can be exploited.

“We are aware of this issue and will release a fix at the earliest possibility,” a Samsung representative told AllThingsD. “Samsung considers user privacy and the security of user data its top priority.”

The issue is unique to Samsung’s implementation of Android, and is not present in the stock build of Google’s operating system, Eden said.

Eden said the issue is definitely present on the Galaxy Note II, and is likely there on the Galaxy S III.

He added that he reported the issue to Samsung in February.

“I have delayed public disclosure of this vulnerability,” he said. “I also asked if they wanted me to delay publication until a patch was ready — however they declined this offer.”

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Another gadget you don’t really need. Will not work once you get it home. New model out in 4 weeks. Battery life is too short to be of any use.

— From the fact sheet for a fake product entitled Useless Plasticbox 1.2 (an actual empty plastic box) placed in L.A.-area Best Buy stores by an artist called Plastic Jesus