“Please do not make it public”: Vulnerabilities in Sogou Keyboard encryption expose keypresses to network eavesdropping - The Citizen Lab
citizenlab.ca
In this report, we analyze the Windows, Android, and iOS versions of Tencent’s Sogou Input Method, the most popular Chinese-language input method in China. Our analysis found serious vulnerabilities in the app’s custom encryption system and how it encrypts sensitive data. These vulnerabilities could allow a network eavesdropper to decrypt sensitive communications sent by the app, including revealing all keystrokes being typed by the user. Following our disclosure of these vulnerabilities, Sogou released updated versions of the app that identified all of the issues we disclosed.

Vulnerabilities in Sogou Keyboard encryption expose keypresses to network eavesdropping.

  • dx1@lemmy.worldEnglish
    21·
    11 months ago

    What are the best FOSS options for Android keyboard apps? I’ve been struggling with this lately.

    • nomadjoanne@lemmy.worldEnglish
      18·
      11 months ago

      I use OpenBoard (it’s available on fDroid. Maybe the play store too).

      I don’t know if it’s the best but I like it. If you type in multiple languages you do need to hit a “language switcher” key on the keyboard to switch to the autocorrect for that language. A very minor complaint. Otherwise it’s great.

      And it will learn swear words. No more ducking ducks.

        • nomadjoanne@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          11 months ago

          I only dislike it for German. My other languages are Spanish and English, which have the same layout minus one extra key not even used in English. But in German Z and Y change places, so that always trips me up.

          Having to remember to switch to the different language when writing a bilingual email is also annoying and does happen somewhat more often than you’d imagine.

      • realherald@lemmy.worldEnglish
        5·
        11 months ago

        F-Droid says the app hasn’t been updated in the last 14 months. Is the project still worked on? It says beta on the website.

        • makingrain@lemmy.worldEnglish
          7·
          11 months ago

          Yes.. The pitfalls of FOSS is that some dude is working on it when they have free time. I’ve been using it for 2 years and can’t say I mind… would like to have the word suggestions, though.

      • Scrappy@feddit.nlEnglish
        4·
        11 months ago

        Thanks for the recommendation. This comment is typed using a freshly installed florisboard keyboard :)

    • sic_1@feddit.deEnglish
      111·
      11 months ago

      Seconded. I use Gboard because it has the same functionality but I have to sandbox it and restrict all internet access via firewall. I still don’t trust it and would prefer a FOSS alternative with the same functionality.

        • Exocet@sopuli.xyzEnglish
          41·
          11 months ago

          Not OP, but this can be managed with Datura firewall on CalyxOs

          • PlutoniumAcid@lemmy.worldEnglish
            171·
            11 months ago

            wants to do something

            needs to be an IT major

            Welp, guess I’ll choose between China and Microsoft, then.

        • sic_1@feddit.deEnglish
          2·
          11 months ago

          You can sandbox an app using Shelter. You can block the internet access of that app using NetGuard. Both apps are available on F-Droid and easy to setup. No special OS needed but I strongly recommend GrapheneOS to avoid backdoors.

            • sic_1@feddit.deEnglish
              2·
              11 months ago

              Glad to help. Consider dropping the NetGuard dev some coin, he’s doing incredible work. He also develops FairEmail which imho is the best IMAP email app in existence.