Google Pixel smartphone has been hacked by the Chinese hackers in less than one minute and grabbed $120,000 cash prize as a token of appreciation. According to sources, the recently released Google Pixel handset was hacked by a team called White-Hat hackers from Qihoo 360. Interestingly, the team participated in the 2016 PwnFest hacking competition held in Seoul.
During the hacking process, the team showcased a prototype of the exploit, which used zero-day vulnerability. This is being done to fetch the remote code execution (RCE) on the smartphone.
After that, the exploit will launch the Google Play Store on the handset before you open Google Chrome. When you open Chrome browser, the web page will display the message Pwned By 360 Alpha Team.
Google Pixel hacking fetches $120K cash prize
As part of the successful hacking of Google Pixel, the team won $120,000 cash prize. Meanwhile, the Qihoo 360 also hacked the Adobe Flash by making effective use of a decade-old vulnerability technique. It also fetched them a $120K prize.
In addition to Google Pixel and Adobe Flash, Microsoft Edge browser running Window 10 operating system was also hacked in the recently concluded PwnFest hacking competition. The team is planning to file reports with the respective companies to enable them to deliver patches to address the loopholes.
On the specifications front, Google Pixel features a 5-inch AMOLED Full HD Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protected display, Snapdragon 821 processor, Adreno 530 graphics, 4GB RAM, 32/128GB internal storage.
Talking about the camera, the handset offers 12.3MP rear sensor paired with an 8MP front-facing shooter. A 2770mAh fast charging battery completes the package. The phone is loaded with Android 7.1 Nougat platform, which is the latest.
