Bad actors are everywhere on the internet, even if you usually wouldn’t expect them from your smartphone developer. We’re used to questionable Chrome extensions that steal your data, but a recent incident with Motorola has left users perplexed. Although it had already been fixed, there was a strange issue with Motorola devices (including the Razr Fold) involving users being sent to an even stranger link before opening a certain app.
As spotted by 9to5Google, Motorola released an app update that injected affiliate code into the Amazon app through the Motorola Smart Feed app. Typically, the Smart Feed app shows users a variety of curated content, but when users tried to open Amazon through the app, they would quickly open a browser window and then close it before actually launching the platform. While this is peculiar in itself, what’s really confusing is that the URL users were being sent to involves a popular fashion influencer.
It’s worth pointing out that this particular “bug” has been fixed and Motorola was quick to correct the error. Motorola users do not need to take any action as reports indicate that the issue in the Smart Feed app has been resolved without requiring a software update. It’s a peculiar situation, but given that we’re used to finding hidden malware in video games, we’re not totally surprised.
Motorola app sends users to a particular link
Gabo_Arts/Shutterstock
Originally discovered by a Motorola Razr 60 owner in the r/Android community on Reddit, the user cited an Android Debug Bridge (ADB) log showing that, rather than simply opening the Amazon app, Smart Feed first directed the user to a website that typically provides advertising services for mobile phones, “devicenative.com.” The issue was commonly found in version 2.03.0070 of the Smart Feed app, although it was not reproducible when sideloading Smart Feed.
When 9to5Google investigated, they discovered that the URL in question involved Instagram influencer Shakirah A Abboud (@kirafashionfinds). However, the link in question does not appear to be associated with any affiliate codes used by the influencer. Speaking to 9to5Google, Motorola said the issue had been resolved and was “unintentional”, adding: “After identifying the issue, we quickly fixed the routing configurations. Users can now expect all installed apps to launch directly as expected.
Although Motorola addressed Device Native, the advertising company in question, it did not explain why a fashion influencer was involved. Device Native has also removed all of its developer documentation from its website for the time being. Although the issue has been resolved, users can still disable the Smart Feed app if necessary. Go to Settings, tap Apps, find Smart Feed and select Turn Off. Even though Motorola users no longer have to worry about this problem, remember that there are things you need to do if you are hacked.
