Google Pixel: The "aCropalypse" exploit on the markup tool can uncrop photos and reveal redacted information

Google Pixel vulnerability allows bad actors to undo Markup screenshot edits and redactions (Image credit- Yahoo)

Security experts have discovered an exploit on the Google Pixel devices' Markup tool for photos and media, according to a report. Threat actors may access users who used the Markup tool to crop or remove portions of the image as a result of this vulnerability in order to recover such fragments. The "aCropalypse" is the name the researchers gave to this flaw since it could allow cropped images to revert to their original state or reclaim some of their uncensored appearances. According to Simon Aarons' most recent tweet, two security researchers focused on the "aCropalypse," a severe Google Pixel vulnerability. Their most recent research was able to identify a fundamental issue with Pixel smartphones since the Markup tool can be used to recover information that has been cropped or redacted. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image credit- Yahoo[/caption] This is particularly concerning for Pixel users who make use of the built-in utility, especially given the possibility that threat actors familiar with the issue on their devices could steal their personal information and data. According to the reports, the CVE-2023-21036 vulnerability, which was found by both Aarons and him, alerts users to the possibility of this exploit being used against them. According to Aarons and Buchanan, censored material can be easily retrieved and might even take on its original form after being put through a particular process. Future images on the Pixel are protected, however, data security and privacy issues may exist for earlier screenshots or photos that were cropped using the Markup tool. Threat actors may have easy access to this information and can use it to retrieve sensitive information from the photos and important cropped data. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Image credit- Tech Times[/caption] Google Pixel Vulnerabilities in the Past Google's Pixel smartphone operating system is a mainstay for Android because it receives all the most recent updates and features from the company. One of the earlier issues with Android on the Pixel is that customers cannot connect to or access RCS for their messaging needs over Mobile Data using the Android 13 OS version. Additionally, a number of Play Store flaws were present for all Android devices, taking advantage of ChatGPT's current fame and importance. The moniker ChatGPT is frequently used by developers that include malware in their apps; once downloaded and installed, the virus is only active, giving users access to their cellphones. Also read: Major Tax-filing Websites Covertly Providing User’s Income Info to Meta Since the Google Pixel is primarily an Android smartphone, it would also have the same vulnerabilities that are present here, which would be a serious issue for customers. If the latest Markup tool's vulnerability is not immediately fixed, consumers could suffer, especially if information about their payment information, personal information, and other sensitive data were cropped.