Apple users across the globe have detected a major issue with the FaceTime Chat service available on their iPhones. The nug enables to eavesdrop on other FaceTime users. In other words, The bug allows user to listen the receiver even before they pick up the call. This creates a major privacy risk as the recipient genuinely not aware of the caller hearing them. Although, FaceTime provides a safe encrypted communication throughout, this new bug converted the iPhones into a spy listening system.
https://mobile.twitter.com/BmManski/status/1089967572307640325
As tested by The Verge, this bug is currently present on iPhones running on iOS 12.1.2. If a user make a call to anyone via FaceTime, and puts in their phone number by swiping up, FaceTime immediately seems to assume it as active conference, and let the user hear the audio of the recipient. In case, if the recipient press the power button to ignore the call, it would start broadcasting your video as well.
Apple confirmed that they are aware of this issue, and will fix it via an software update as soon as possible. At the moment, Apple has disabled the Group FaceTime calling in defence, so it should no longer be accessible to utilize the bug. Apple added the feature of group FaceTime in October 2018 update to its iOS operating system. As a precautionary setup, you can temporarily disable the FaceTime by going into settings.
