Some users of HTC Android phones will have to wait until next week to get a fix for a problem that could leak credentials used to gain access to Wi-Fi networks, including corporate networks.
HTC is downplaying the severity of the problem and says most affected phones have already gotten the fix via updates and upgrades.
But it acknowledges users will have to manually load the software update and says those users should check back to its help page next week.
TIPS: Tricks for upgrading your Android phone
The flaw lies within the particular Android build used in certain models of HTC phones. It exposes Wi-Fi login credentials used as part of 802.1X network access control used on wireless networks.
A rogue application with rights to see that information and also with rights to access the Internet could steal the credentials and send them to attackers who might then use them to infiltrate a corporate network.
Google says no such rogue application has been found, according to a description of the flaw at the My War With Entropy blog by Bret Jordan. "Google has also done a code scan of every application currently in the Android Market and there are no applications currently exploiting this vulnerability," Jordan says.
For its part, HTC posted a paragraph on its help page about the flaw. "HTC has developed a fix for a small WiFi issue affecting some HTC phones. Most phones have received this fix already through regular updates and upgrades. However, some phones will need to have the fix manually loaded. Please check back next week for more information about this fix and a manual download if you need to update your phone," the posting says.
According to US-CERT, affected phones are:
• Desire HD (both "ace" and "spade" board revisions) - Versions FRG83D, GRI40
• Glacier - Version FRG83
• Droid Incredible - Version FRF91
• Thunderbolt 4G - Version FRG83D
• Sensation Z710e - Version GRI40
• Sensation 4G - Version GRI40
• Desire S - Version GRI40
• EVO 3D - Version GRI40
• EVO 4G - Version GRI40
Read more about anti-malware in Network World's Anti-malware section.
Join the CIO Australia group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers.