Barnes & Noble NOOK 7 is full of temptation. It's cheap and loaded with millions of book collections. However, a recent research reported by Linux Journal has learned that the tablet contains malicious malware capable of transmitting all user's data inside the device to a remote server in China.
What is ADUPS firmware?
ADUPS is a Shanghai-based firmware provisioning company specialized in data collections and firmware control.
ADUPS is undetectable by 'ordinary' malware scanners, according to Android Headlines. The worse thing about the firmware is that it is installed as a part of OS components and in this case, MediaTek reportedly protects the code from Google security scan.
A research by Kryptowire has found that ADUPS is capable of transmitting all users' data from text messages, installed applications to remote execution without user consent. The reported analysis has also disclosed that the firmware is included in BLU R1 HD and some of the tablets sold at US online retailers such as Amazon.
If there is anything worst, LinuxJournal has learned that Google has blacklisted ADUPS in Android Compatibility Test Suite (CTS).
About Barnes & Noble NOOK 7
The light and cheap NOOK 7 tablet sells for $50 at B&N stores. It has 171 ppi pixel density for the 1,024 x 600 screen resolution.
NOOK 7 has 8 GB of internal memory, expandable up to 128 GB via MicroSD card. CNet reported that the tablet has full access to Google Play Store and it's got million of books collection under $5.
The VGA front-facing camera is paired with 2MP rear-camera and it's a dual-band tablet that also features wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi.
As of this moment, the firmware update rolled out to Barnes & Noble NOOK 7 might remove the 'breach' but still, analysts recommend not to store any sensitive data to the tablet.
