Google Fixes Two Critical Android Flaws and 60 Other Issues: Update Your Phone Now

Google has fixed two critical "zero-day" vulnerabilities and 60 other issues in Android. To keep your phone secure, it's crucial to update it immediately.

Google Enhances Android Security

Owners of the top Android phones are familiar with the annoyance of frequent updates. Yet, some of these updates are essential for the security of your device. Google has recently released its latest batch of security updates for Android.

In total, 62 vulnerabilities have been addressed, including two zero-day exploits actively used by hackers in targeted attacks. Google Pixel phone owners will be the first to receive these patches. However, BleepingComputer reports that Google had already shared these fixes with its OEM partners as early as January.

Vulnerabilities Not to Be Overlooked

Most of the vulnerabilities fixed involve high-severity privilege escalation issues. Two of these are zero-day vulnerabilities which hackers could exploit more readily.

The first zero-day flaw (listed as CVE-2024-43197) is a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability in the ALSA Linux kernel’s USB-audio driver. It has reportedly been used by Serbian authorities to unlock confiscated Android devices using a zero-day exploit chain developed by Israeli digital forensics firm Cellebrite.

The second zero-day vulnerability (listed as CVE-2024-53150) involves an information disclosure issue in the Android kernel, caused by an out-of-bounds read. If exploited, it could allow local attackers to access sensitive information without any user interaction.

Protecting Your Android Phone from Hackers

Just like with iPhones, the most crucial action you can take to safeguard your Android phone is to install new updates and security patches as soon as they become available.

However, due to Android’s somewhat fragmented nature, these updates may not reach your phone or tablet for some time, depending on your device’s manufacturer. Therefore, it is advisable to invest in one of the top Android antivirus apps for additional protection. Lastly, be cautious about clicking on links in messages from unknown sources and downloading attachments from emails unless they are from contacts with whom you regularly exchange files.