Google admits attack on Pixel smartphones – modem flaw allowed covert hacking of many devices

This error is related to the modem (the component responsible for connecting to the Internet) on Pixel smartphones. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could step out of the modem’s sandbox (isolated environment) and access other data on the device, thereby conducting a privilege escalation attack.

The vulnerability allows for hidden exploitation scenarios without any involvement from the smartphone owner, meaning the victim of the attack does not need to click on a link or open any files. Google did not specify who exploited the vulnerability. Such mechanisms are often implemented by surveillance vendors, including spyware developers, who sell access to their data-stealing solutions to governments and law enforcement agencies.