Around 700 millions of Android phones are sending users' personal data to servers in China every 72 hours. This personal data includes: all text messages, call history, the contact list, geolocation history, as well as the data of the installed applications.
Expert Kryptowire researchers have discovered this backdoor in the operating system of various Android devices, that allows the sending of the information without the user having proof.
The developer company, Shanghai AdUps Technology, based in China, serves reputable brands such as ZTE or Huawei.
In addition, the application allows the installation and update of applications on the smartphone remotely.
This backdoor appears to have been intentionally created, not because of a security breach, although it is still unknown whether the collection of information is due to advertising or government issues.
The company AdUps defends itself by claiming that the software was not intended to work outside of China, where it would be used to help Chinese manufacturers collect information on how users use the terminals.