Kernel Hacker Wants to Crack Android Code
Czech kernel developer Pavel Machek wants to be root on his T-Mobile G1 Android Linux mobile phone so that he can exploit security holes simply to extend usability of the phone.
Machek registered his complaint about getting root privilege on his Android phone on the Bugtraq list and Android chat, but concluded that the G1 security system was not so much designed "to protect the owner from an evil attacker" as that it simply "prevents the owner from using his phone." He, for example, wanted to use his G1 to connect his notebook to the Internet.
Machek tried to exploit a dnotify hole fixed by Kernel 2.6.25.1, but found that dnotify was turned off in the G1 kernel. He then tried to use an inotify security hole on his Android-installed PC, but still could not practically root the phone.
Machek did find some problems with the Android OS, which runs on ARM processors, but is still looking for attack vulnerabilities. His mailing list posting describes some weak entry points related to the dynamic linker and a few integer and buffer overflows, but he invites feedback from others on Android security issues, preferably via private email.
Issue 268/2023
Buy this issue as a PDF
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
The Next Major Release of Elementary OS Has Arrived
It's been over a year since the developers of elementary OS released version 6.1 (Jólnir) but they've finally made their latest release (Horus) available with a renewed focus on the user.
-
KDE Plasma 5.27 Beta Is Ready for Testing
The latest beta iteration of the KDE Plasma desktop is now available and includes some important additions and fixes.
-
Netrunner OS 23 Is Now Available
The latest version of this Linux distribution is now based on Debian Bullseye and is ready for installation and finally hits the KDE 5.20 branch of the desktop.
-
New Linux Distribution Built for Gamers
With a Gnome desktop that offers different layouts and a custom kernel, PikaOS is a great option for gamers of all types.
-
System76 Beefs Up Popular Pangolin Laptop
The darling of open-source-powered laptops and desktops will soon drop a new AMD Ryzen 7-powered version of their popular Pangolin laptop.
-
Nobara Project Is a Modified Version of Fedora with User-Friendly Fixes
If you're looking for a version of Fedora that includes third-party and proprietary packages, look no further than the Nobara Project.
-
Gnome 44 Now Has a Release Date
Gnome 44 will be officially released on March 22, 2023.
-
Nitrux 2.6 Available with Kernel 6.1 and a Major Change
The developers of Nitrux have officially released version 2.6 of their Linux distribution with plenty of new features to excite users.
-
Vanilla OS Initial Release Is Now Available
A stock GNOME experience with on-demand immutability finally sees its first production release.
-
Critical Linux Vulnerability Found to Impact SMB Servers
A Linux vulnerability with a CVSS score of 10 has been found to affect SMB servers and can lead to remote code execution.