Google Pixel 6, Samsung Galaxy S22, and another new units operating on Android 12 are affected by a extremely extreme Linux kernel vulnerability referred to as “Dirty Pipe.” The vulnerability might be exploited by a malicious app to realize system-level entry and overwrite information in read-only recordsdata on the system. First observed on the Linux kernel, the bug was reproduced by a safety researcher on Pixel 6. Google was additionally knowledgeable about its existence to introduce a system replace with a patch.
Security researcher Max Kellermann of German Web growth firm CM4all noticed the ‘Dirty Pipe’ vulnerability. Shortly after Kellermann publicly disclosed the safety loophole this week that has been recorded as CVE-2022-0847, different researchers have been in a position to element its influence.
As per Kellermann, the problem existed within the Linux kernel because the model 5.8, although it was mounted within the Linux 5.16.11, 5.15.25, and 5.10.102. It is just like the ‘Dirty COW’ vulnerability however is less complicated to use, the researcher mentioned.
The ‘Dirty COW’ vulnerability had impacted Linux kernel variations created earlier than 2018. It additionally impacted customers on Android, although Google mounted the flaw by releasing a safety patch again in December 2016.
An attacker exploiting the ‘Dirty Pipe’ vulnerability can achieve entry to overwrite information in read-only recordsdata on the Linux system. It might additionally enable hackers to create unauthorised person accounts, modify scripts, and binaries by gaining backdoor entry.
Since Android makes use of the Linux kernel as core, the vulnerability has a possible to influence smartphone customers as nicely. It is, nevertheless, restricted in nature as of now — because of the truth that most Android releases are not based on the Linux kernel versions which can be affected by the flaw.
“Android before version 12 is not affected at all, and some Android 12 devices — but not all — are affected,” Kellermann informed Gadgets 360.
The researcher additionally mentioned that if the system was susceptible, the bug might be used to realize full root entry. This implies that it might be used to permit an app to learn and manipulate encrypted WhatsApp messages, seize validation SMS messages, impersonate customers on arbitrary web sites, and even remotely management any banking apps put in on the system to steal cash from the person.
Kellermann was in a position to reproduce the bug on Google Pixel 6 and reported its particulars to the Android safety crew in February. Google additionally merged the bug fix into the Android kernel shortly after it obtained the report from the researcher.
However, it’s unclear whether or not the bug has been mounted by way of the March safety patch that was launched earlier this week.
In addition to the Pixel 6, the Samsung Galaxy S22 units look like impacted by the bug, according to Ars Technica’s Ron Amadeo.
Some different units which can be operating on Android 12 out-of-the-box are additionally anticipated to be susceptible to assaults as a result of ‘Dirty Pipe’ situation.
Gadgets 360 reached out to Samsung for readability on the vulnerability, and the corporate responded by saying that it’s releasing the safety updates to handle the problem quickly. Google, although, did not reply to a request for touch upon the matter.
Meanwhile, customers are advisable to not set up apps from any third-party sources. It can also be vital to keep away from putting in any untrusted apps and video games, and ensure to have the most recent safety patches put in on the system.
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