Serious Security Risks Found In Android Remote Keyboard Apps

By Editor Last updated Mrz 4, 2025

The increasing popularity of Android remote keyboard apps has raised concerns regarding their security vulnerabilities. Specifically, three widely used apps, PC Keyboard, Lazy Mouse, and Telepad, have been found to contain multiple serious security risks. These apps have collectively amassed over 2 million downloads, exposing a large number of users to potential attacks. The identified flaws in these apps encompass a range of issues, including the absence of robust authentication mechanisms, inadequate authorization measures, and insecure communication protocols. For instance, Telepad has been found to have two specific vulnerabilities, CVE-2022-45477 and CVE-2022-45478, which allow remote unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code and enable man-in-the-middle attackers to intercept data in cleartext, respectively. Similarly, PC Keyboard exhibits vulnerabilities such as CVE-2022-45479 and CVE-2022-45480, enabling remote unauthenticated code execution and data interception by malicious actors. Furthermore, Lazy Mouse suffers from vulnerabilities such as a lack of password requirement, weak password policies, and data interception. In light of these findings, it is strongly advised that users uninstall these vulnerable apps to minimize the risk of further exploitation and safeguard their sensitive information.

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Key Takeaways

The Android remote keyboard apps PC Keyboard, Lazy Mouse, and Telepad have been found to have critical security vulnerabilities, including missing authentication mechanisms, missing authorization, and insecure communication.
Telepad has two vulnerabilities (CVE-2022-45477 and CVE-2022-45478) that allow remote unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code and enable man-in-the-middle attackers to see data in cleartext.
PC Keyboard also has two vulnerabilities (CVE-2022-45479 and CVE-2022-45480) that allow remote unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code and enable man-in-the-middle attackers to see data in cleartext.
Lazy Mouse has three vulnerabilities (CVE-2022-45481, CVE-2022-45482, and CVE-2022-45483), including default configuration not requiring a password, weak password requirements with no rate limiting, and allowing man-in-the-middle attackers to see data in cleartext.
It is recommended to remove these vulnerable apps and check privacy statements and app reviews before installing alternative keyboard apps to prevent further exploitation of sensitive information.

Vulnerable Apps

The pre-existing knowledge reveals that there are several vulnerable Android remote keyboard apps, including PC Keyboard, Lazy Mouse, and Telepad, which have been found to have critical security flaws such as missing authentication mechanisms, missing authorization, and insecure communication. These vulnerabilities pose serious security risks to user privacy and security. The critical RCE flaw allows attackers to access keystrokes, potentially compromising sensitive information. This has significant implications for user privacy and the security of their personal data. App developers have a responsibility to address these vulnerabilities promptly and effectively to protect their users. The abandonment of these apps by developers highlights the importance of ongoing support and updates to ensure the security of user information. It is crucial for users to thoroughly review privacy statements and app reviews before installing alternative apps to mitigate the potential risks associated with these vulnerable applications. Strong recommendations are made to remove these vulnerable apps to prevent further exploitation and protect user privacy and security.

Flaws in the Apps

Missing authentication mechanisms, authorization, and insecure communication are among the flaws identified in the Android remote keyboard apps. These vulnerabilities pose serious security risks, as they can allow attackers to access sensitive information and execute arbitrary code. The absence of authentication mechanisms means that anyone can access the apps without proper verification, making it easier for unauthorized individuals to exploit the system. In addition, the apps‘ lack of authorization mechanisms allows users to perform actions they should not have access to, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of data. Furthermore, insecure communication channels expose user data to interception by malicious actors, putting users‘ privacy at risk. These flaws highlight the importance of secure development practices and the need for users to exercise caution when installing and using remote keyboard apps.

Recommendation

Developers should take immediate action to address the identified vulnerabilities in the Android remote keyboard apps to safeguard user data and prevent potential exploitation. These flaws, which include missing authentication mechanisms, missing authorization, and insecure communication, pose serious security risks to users. The vulnerabilities allow remote unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code and enable man-in-the-middle attackers to access data in cleartext. To mitigate these privacy concerns, users are advised to check the privacy statements and app reviews before installing alternative keyboard options. It is crucial to choose reliable and secure keyboard apps that prioritize user privacy and implement strong security measures. Additionally, users are strongly recommended to remove the vulnerable apps from their devices to prevent further exploitation and protect sensitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can the vulnerabilities in the Android remote keyboard apps be exploited?

The vulnerabilities in the Android remote keyboard apps can be exploited by remote unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code and by man-in-the-middle attackers to intercept data. Prevention measures include removing the vulnerable apps and checking privacy statements and app reviews before installing alternatives.

Are there any known instances of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild?

There have been no known instances of the vulnerabilities in the Android remote keyboard apps being exploited in the wild. However, if exploited, these vulnerabilities could have a significant impact on user data security.

What steps can users take to protect themselves if they have already installed one of the vulnerable apps?

To protect against vulnerable apps, users who have installed them should immediately uninstall the apps. Additionally, they should regularly update their device’s operating system and apps, use strong and unique passwords, and avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Regularly monitoring for any suspicious activity and installing reputable security software can also help mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerable apps.

Are there any alternative Android remote keyboard apps that have been identified as safe and secure?

Best practices for securing Android remote keyboard apps include checking privacy statements and app reviews before installation, ensuring strong authentication and authorization mechanisms, and using alternatives such as AnyDesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop, or TeamViewer, which have been identified as safe and secure.

Is there any information available on the developers of the vulnerable apps and their response to the discovered vulnerabilities?

Information on the developers‘ response to the discovered vulnerabilities and the measures taken to address the security risks in the vulnerable apps is currently not available. Further details regarding this matter are undisclosed.