Critical Alert: Multiple Vulnerabilities in Google Android OS Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

by CIRT Team

11 Feb 2018

in Security Advisories & Alerts

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Description: Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in the Google Android operating system (OS), the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. Android is an operating system developed by Google for mobile devices, including, but not limited to, smartphones, tablets, and watches. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution within the context of a privileged process. Depending on the privileges associated with this application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

Impact: Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution in the context of
a privileged process. These vulnerabilities could be exploited through multiple methods such as email, web browsing, and MMS when processing media files. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or
delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system,
exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

System Affected:
* Android OS builds utilizing Security Patch Levels issued prior to February 5, 2018.

Mitigation: The following actions are recommended:
* Apply appropriate updates provided by Google Android or mobile carriers to vulnerable systems, immediately after appropriate testing.
* Remind users to only download applications from trusted vendors in the Play Store.
* Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
* Inform and educate users regarding threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments, especially from un-trusted sources.

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