BlackBerry Priv and DTEK50 get security patch for QuadRooter vulnerabilities

BlackBerry is rolling out a security patch for the Android-powered Priv and DTEK50 smartphones to address QuadRooter vulnerabilities. Those users who purchased the unlocked models through ShopBlackBerry.com will be getting the update. The carrier network will release the update this week.

The company said it had already fixed three out of total four QuadRooter vulnerabilities on both Priv and DTEK50 through the August Marshmallow patch. Alex Manea, director of BlackBerry Security announced that a patch for all the QuadRooter vulnerabilities is now available for the Priv and DTEK50. So far BlackBerry has not received any complaint from customers about any issue related to these vulnerabilities.

David Kleidermacher, chief security officer, said: "Some critical Android vulnerabilities – for example, one that can be easily and remotely exploited with a publicly disclosed method to execute 'root' privileged malware – simply can't wait for a monthly update cycle."

To install the security patch on your Priv or DTEK50 head over to Settings>> About phone>> System update and then just download and install it.

BlackBerry claims that it is the first major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to patch QuadRooter vulnerabilities. Last week Sony revealed its plan for releasing security patches to address the issue for its Xperia handsets. The patches for Xperia phones will be available within normal and regular software maintenance, although there are no details about the specific date for the rollout.

QuadRooter security flaw that affects as many as 900 million Android smartphones and tablets using Qualcomm chipsets was first reported by security firm Check Point. By exploiting the vulnerability, attackers can get root access to a device using a malicious app, which does not require special permission to take advantage of the vulnerabilities.