CVE-2011-1823 Android Android OS: privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Sep 29, 2022
What to do
- Install Android's security update for Android OS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Android OS Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Android Android OS
- CISA description
- The vold volume manager daemon in Android kernel trusts messages from a PF_NETLINK socket, which allows an attacker to execute code and gain root privileges. This vulnerability is associated with GingerBreak and Exploit.AndroidOS.Lotoor.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-189)
- Confirmed exploited
- Sep 8, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Sep 29, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2011-1823 ·
Questions about CVE-2011-1823
Is CVE-2011-1823 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2011-1823 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Sep 8, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2011-1823?
Install Android's security update for Android OS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2011-1823?
Only if you use Android Android OS. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.