Google caught in cat and mouse game with hackers

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 10 Nov 2008 at 10:59

Google has re-locked jailbroken Android handsets with a new software update, less than a week after hackers first gained root access.

Last week a hack was detailed on an XDA developers forum that described how to get root access to a terminal window on the Android operating system, running on the T-Mobile G1.

"Basically anything you type into your keyboard is also being run in a hidden console with root permissions," explained the instructions, posted by user Koush.

However, Google perceived this to be a security threat, and has issued update RC30 to prevent the hack. The company is keen to keep the platform secure, although the open-source nature of the operating system makes it far easier for the public to develop hacks and new features.

Because of this, it seems likely that a cat and mouse game between Google's engineers and hackers will ensue.

"You better get root while you can, and then protect your phone from OTA updates. It almost makes me want to go buy a couple and jailbreak them, then wait for the patch and sell them for a premium," says JesusFreke, speaking on the XDA forum.

Last week Google released a patch to protect users from a security vulnerability that opened the door to phishing and malicious attacks, and the company has previously admitted that it has installed a "kill switch" in the operating system to allow the company to remotely shutdown any applications considered harmful.