OnePlus addresses EngineerMode hacking concerns

OnePlus has responded to concerns over a Qualcomm diagnostic tool on its smartphones.

An app called EngineerMode can be used by an attacker to gain system-level privileges to a device, if they have physical access to it.

The potential backdoor was reported by a security researcher named “Elliot Alderson” – a character name from Mr. Robot.

The app comes standard on several devices, including the OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T, and OnePlus 5.

OnePlus said it will remove the ability to gain root access from EngineerMode, but added that it is not a major security issue.

“While it can enable adb root which provides privileges for adb commands, it will not let third-party apps access full root privileges,” said OnePlus.

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