by Darren Allan

Palm Pre owners be warned that an exploit has been uncovered on the phone whereby a hacker can trigger the device to literally bug you.

Security specialist MWR InfoSecurity has illustrated how a hacker can create an SMS business card which delivers an exploit that allows the bugging of the owner.

It essentially uses the handset’s microphone to record anything said and then transmits the audio file back to the hacker via wi-fi or 3G, the Independent reports. All without the owner having a clue that anything is going on.

MWR also noted an exploit in Android which allows a hacker to glean password details from the browser. PC Advisor reports that Google said this vulnerability was fixed in Froyo (Android 2.2), however.

A security researcher working for the MWR told the Independent: “The Android phone does have some security built in, but the Palm system seems unprotected and extremely vulnerable.”

Worrying news for Palm smartphone owners. If you’ve opened any mysterious business card texts lately, it might be worth refraining from discussing your plans for world domination with the handset on the table.

Story link: Palm Pre suffers from literal bugbear