BlackBerry Priv Security Update Patches 16 Vulnerabilities

The first update for the BlackBerry Priv improved the camera application, performance and stability for the device, and of course, security. All consumers knew were that security has been improved, however, no further details were given on how it was improved.

Since Google has published information about its December 2015 Security Bulletin, BlackBerry has outlined the details of what has been improved in the security department concerning the BlackBerry Priv’s security improvements. It seems that 16 vulnerabilities have been patched.

You can view more details about the vulnerabilities below :

  • Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Mediaserver – During media file and data processing of a specially crafted file, vulnerabilities in mediaserver could allow an attacker to cause memory corruption and remote code execution as the mediaserver process. The affected functionality is provided as a core part of the operating system and there are multiple applications that allow it to be reached with remote content, most notably MMS and browser playback of media. – CVE-2015-6616
  • Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Skia – A vulnerability in the Skia component may be leveraged when processing a specially crafted media file that could lead to memory corruption and remote code execution in a privileged process. – CVE-2015-6617
  • Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Bluetooth – A vulnerability in Android’s Bluetooth component could allow remote code execution from a successfully paired device, after the personal area network (PAN) profile is enabled (for example using Bluetooth Tethering) and the device is paired. The remote code execution would be at the privilege of the Bluetooth service. A device is only vulnerable to this issue from a successfully paired device while in local proximity. – CVE-2015-6618
  • Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities in libstagefright – Multiple vulnerabilities in libstagefright can enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the mediaserver service. – CVE-2015-6620
  • Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability in SystemUI – When setting an alarm using the clock application, a vulnerability in the SystemUI component can allow an application to execute a task at an elevated privilege level. – CVE-2015-6621
  • Information Disclosure Vulnerability in Native Frameworks Library – An information disclosure vulnerability in Android Native Frameworks Library can permit a bypass of security measures in place to increase the difficulty of attackers exploiting the platform. – CVE-2015-6622
  • Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities in libstagefright – Information disclosure vulnerabilities in libstagefright, during communication with mediaserver, can permit a bypass of security measures in place to increase the difficulty of attackers exploiting the platform. – CVE-2015-6626, CVE-2015-6631, CVE-2015-6632
  • Information Disclosure Vulnerability in Audio – A vulnerability in the Audio component can be exploited during audio file processing. This vulnerability could allow a local malicious application, during processing of a specially crafted file, to cause information disclosure. – CVE-2015-6627
  • Information Disclosure Vulnerability in Media Framework – An information disclosure vulnerability in Media Framework, during communication with mediaserver, can permit a bypass of security measures in place to increase the difficulty of attackers exploiting the platform. – CVE-2015-6628
  • Information Disclosure Vulnerability in Wi-Fi – A vulnerability in the Wi-Fi component could allow an attacker to cause the Wi-Fi service to disclose information. – CVE-2015-6629
  • Information Disclosure Vulnerability in SystemUI – An information disclosure vulnerability in the SystemUI can enable a local malicious application to gain access to screenshots. – CVE-2015-6630

Do not panic if you have not received your update for your BlackBerry Priv smartphone yet. It’s still being rolled out by carriers and even to those who purchased unlocked smartphones. It’s still worth checking to see if you have received your update though.