198 AI-related iOS apps leak data from millions of users
Security researchers discovered that 198 AI-related iOS apps on Apple's App Store leak and expose user data, including names, emails, and chat histories. The app 'Chat & Ask AI' exposed over 406 million records from more than 18 million users through improperly secured databases and cloud storage.
What happened
The Firehound project, led by security research lab CovertLabs, identified 198 iOS apps available on the Apple App Store that leak and expose user data. Of the 198 apps, 196 expose user data.
The app 'Chat & Ask AI' leads the rankings for most data exposure, with more than 406 million records from over 18 million users exposed, including chat history. Most apps appear to expose data through improperly secured databases or cloud storage.
Reported impact
User data exposed includes names, emails, and chat history. The 'Chat & Ask AI' app exposed 380 million messages and the entire chat history of over 18 million users.
Affected apps span multiple categories including Education, Entertainment, Graphics & Design, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, and Social Networking.
Index analysis
The Firehound project scans and indexes apps that leak sensitive user data. Access to detailed scan results is restricted to registered users, with priority given to journalists, law enforcement, and security professionals.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.