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Threat Model Discrepancy: Google Password Manager leaks cleartext passwords via Task Switcher (Won't Fix) - Violates German BSI Standards

Hi everyone, I’m a Cybersecurity student at HFU in Germany and recently submitted a vulnerability to the Google VRP regarding the Google Password Manager on Android (tested on Pixel 8, Android 16).

The Issue: When you view a cleartext password in the app and minimize it, the app fails to apply FLAG_SECURE or blur the background. When opening the "Recent Apps" (Task Switcher), the cleartext password is fully visible in the preview, even though the app actively overlays a "Enter your screen lock" biometric prompt in the foreground. It basically renders its own secondary biometric lock completely useless.

Google's Response: Google closed the report as Won't Fix (Intended Behavior). Their threat model assumes that if an attacker has physical access to an unlocked device, it's game over.

The BSI Discrepancy: What makes this interesting is that the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recently published a study on Password Managers. In their Threat Model A02 ("Attacker has temporary access to the unlocked device"), they explicitly mandate that sensitive content MUST be protected from background snapshots/screenshots. So while Google says this is intended, national security guidelines classify this as a vulnerability. (For comparison: The iOS built-in password manager instantly blurs the screen when losing focus).

Here is my PoC screenshot:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PTGKRpyFj_jY9S76Jlo62mSCDJ3c6uLO/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIJMQbM4R17EMt9f1Ffb4UmCPYY7-GXb/view?usp=sharing

What are your thoughts on this? Should password managers protect against shoulder surfing via the Task Switcher, or is Google right to rely solely on the OS lockscreen?

submitted by /u/Onat120
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The Race to Ship AI Tools Left Security Behind. Part 1: Sandbox Escape

AI coding tools are being shipped fast. In too many cases, basic security is not keeping up.

In our latest research, we found the same sandbox trust-boundary failure pattern across tools from Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. Anthropic fixed and engaged quickly (CVE-2026-25725). Google did not ship a fix by disclosure. OpenAI closed the report as informational and did not address the core architectural issue.

That gap in response says a lot about vendor security posture.

submitted by /u/Fun_Preference1113
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r/netsec monthly discussion & tool thread

Questions regarding netsec and discussion related directly to netsec are welcome here, as is sharing tool links.

Rules & Guidelines

  • Always maintain civil discourse. Be awesome to one another - moderator intervention will occur if necessary.
  • Avoid NSFW content unless absolutely necessary. If used, mark it as being NSFW. If left unmarked, the comment will be removed entirely.
  • If linking to classified content, mark it as such. If left unmarked, the comment will be removed entirely.
  • Avoid use of memes. If you have something to say, say it with real words.
  • All discussions and questions should directly relate to netsec.
  • No tech support is to be requested or provided on r/netsec.

As always, the content & discussion guidelines should also be observed on r/netsec.

Feedback

Feedback and suggestions are welcome, but don't post it here. Please send it to the moderator inbox.

submitted by /u/albinowax
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/r/netsec's Q1 2026 Information Security Hiring Thread

Overview

If you have open positions at your company for information security professionals and would like to hire from the /r/netsec user base, please leave a comment detailing any open job listings at your company.

We would also like to encourage you to post internship positions as well. Many of our readers are currently in school or are just finishing their education.

Please reserve top level comments for those posting open positions.

Rules & Guidelines

Include the company name in the post. If you want to be topsykret, go recruit elsewhere. Include the geographic location of the position along with the availability of relocation assistance or remote work.

  • If you are a third party recruiter, you must disclose this in your posting.
  • Please be thorough and upfront with the position details.
  • Use of non-hr'd (realistic) requirements is encouraged.
  • While it's fine to link to the position on your companies website, provide the important details in the comment.
  • Mention if applicants should apply officially through HR, or directly through you.
  • Please clearly list citizenship, visa, and security clearance requirements.

You can see an example of acceptable posts by perusing past hiring threads.

Feedback

Feedback and suggestions are welcome, but please don't hijack this thread (use moderator mail instead.)

submitted by /u/netsec_burn
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