If you are an Android device user, you may have noticed today that you were asked to apply a security system update for your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. We advise you to not postpone the update and take five minutes now to apply it. You can read below that a “zero day exploit” is out there and could potentially affect your device or your employees’ devices. If you were not alerted, please manually check for updates.
Stay Secure. Take Action. Apply the Update.
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MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:
2019-078
DATE(S) ISSUED:
08/07/2019
SUBJECT:
Multiple Vulnerabilities in Google Android OS Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution
OVERVIEW:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in the Google Android operating system (OS), the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary 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 arbitrary 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.
THREAT INTELLIGENCE:
There are currently no reports of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
RISK:
Government:
Businesses:
Home users: High
TECHNICAL SUMMARY:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Android OS, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution within the context of a privileged process. Details of these vulnerabilities are as follows:
Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary 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.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:
REFERENCES:
Google Android:
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2019-08-01.html
Center for Internet Security:
https://www.cisecurity.org/advisory/multiple-vulnerabilities-in-google-android-os-could-allow-for-arbitrary-code-execution_2019-078/
24×7 Security Operations Center
Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)
Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC)
31 Tech Valley Drive
East Greenbush, NY 12061
SOC@cisecurity.org – 1-866-787-4722
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As a trusted technology provider, Arctic IT strives to ensure you and your team are protected from cyber threats as they emerge. We hope you found this message valuable and will be taking precautions to secure your Android devices.
Thank you and have a nice day,
Arctic IT Support Team