When a user installs an app laced with the Pixnapping malware, it silently scans the device for other apps to spy on—such as Google Authenticator. Instead of opening the target app directly, the malware leverages the Android rendering pipeline to intercept the visual data being displayed. It then analyzes the color and content of individual pixels in areas known to display confidential information, like two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. By interpreting these pixels, the malware reconstructs the original data—essentially taking “invisible screenshots” of protected content without ever triggering normal app permissions.
According to researchers, three flaws in Android’s design enable Pixnapping. First, apps can invoke another app’s activity through the rendering pipeline, which allows unauthorized access to refresh sensitive screens. Second, Android permits graphical operations to be performed on another app’s displayed content. Third, apps can detect pixel color changes during these operations, revealing the hidden visual data.
Tests confirmed Pixnapping’s success across several devices, including the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S25, running Android versions 13 through 16. The malware’s efficiency varied across devices, achieving success rates between 29% and 73% on Pixel models. On the Galaxy S25, however, researchers couldn’t extract 2FA codes before they expired. The attack was also demonstrated on apps and services such as Gmail, Signal, Venmo, Google Accounts, and Google Maps—indicating that Pixnapping could potentially expose emails, encrypted messages, payment data, and location histories.
The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2025-48561. While Google has issued an initial patch, researchers found ways to bypass it, prompting Google to develop a stronger fix expected in the December Android security update.
Fortunately, Pixnapping has not been detected in active attacks yet. Still, experts urge users to stay vigilant by updating their devices with the latest security patches and downloading apps only from verified marketplaces such as the Google Play Store. Even then, users should double-check app details to ensure authenticity and avoid sideloading unverified applications.
Pixnapping underscores a critical flaw in Android’s visual data handling and highlights the growing sophistication of modern mobile malware. Until Google delivers a complete patch, maintaining cautious download habits and prompt software updates remains the best defense.
