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Judi Lynn

(160,623 posts)
Tue Jan 29, 2019, 01:45 AM Jan 2019

Apple FaceTime bug lets you hear audio -- and see video -- before the call is connected

BY CLAIRE REILLY

A major FaceTime bug has been uncovered allowing iPhone users to call another device via FaceTime and hear audio on the other end, before the recipient has answered the call.

The bug — reported by 9to5Mac and confirmed independently by CNET — has the ability to turn any iPhone into a hot mic without the user's knowledge, representing a major security concern for Apple. 9to5Mac also confirmed that it was able to replicate the bug by making a FaceTime call to a Mac.

We managed to demonstrate the bug in the CNET offices during a regular FaceTime call. After starting a FaceTime call with another iPhone user, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to add another user to the call and add your own phone number. While the phone is still ringing, you'll be able to hear audio from the recipient's phone, even though they haven't accepted the call.

The Verge also spotted if the recipient rejects the call by pressing the power button, video will also be broadcast from their phone. CNET recreated this, getting a second or two of video from the recipient's phone before the call was disconnected.

More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-facetime-bug-iphone-audio-video-privacy-concern-today-2019-01-28/

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Apple FaceTime bug lets you hear audio -- and see video -- before the call is connected (Original Post) Judi Lynn Jan 2019 OP
Not much to see inside my pocket. safeinOhio Jan 2019 #1
Everything's cool then, right? Waste of effort to fix it. ret5hd Jan 2019 #3
Apple rushes to fix FaceTime bug that let users eavesdrop on others nitpicker Jan 2019 #2
Hmmm... and drumph folks use an apple phone? blaze Jan 2019 #4
Do the Russians know about this?? Sancho Jan 2019 #5
Imagine if someone did this to Trumps phone. cstanleytech Jan 2019 #6

nitpicker

(7,153 posts)
2. Apple rushes to fix FaceTime bug that let users eavesdrop on others
Tue Jan 29, 2019, 03:59 AM
Jan 2019
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jan/28/apple-facetime-bug-listen-calls-iphone-glitch-privacy

(snip)
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian. The company told Reuters that it was aware of the problem and would release a software update “later this week”.
(snip)

Until Apple releases its software update, it appears that the best way for iPhone users to protect their privacy is to disable FaceTime in the phone’s settings.
(snip)
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