Google has only recently patched up a serious security bug that is already being targeted in Android.
Android updates often bring with them security patches and bugs, most of them going unnoticed, or almost unnoticed, but the latest security update released by Google is very important: it patches a vulnerability that is already being actively leveraged, providing yet another incentive to patch devices as soon as possible.
The inhomogeneous in question is labeled CVE-2024-36971 and, in the view of Google, “could be exploited, in a limited and targeted manner.” In other words, it can be assumed that hackers have already cracked it, if the end effects are relatively insignificant and/or the number of impacted devices is rather limited.
The flaw is defined as a remote code execution bug of high severity and that means is that a stranger can now run any code on your device without your knowledge. Although it is highly probable that you have never experienced falling foul of this error, it is best to update your phone and/or tablet. The vulnerability was found by the bug hunter Clément Lecigne.
Android and its alternatives for updating an Android smartphone
Fortunately, this is something that Android surprisingly does for you, by notifying you when an update is available for the particular app. In this case, it is quite sufficient to reject the update and restart your phone when it demands it.
If you do not want the software to update automatically, you are able to check for the updates yourself. In case you own a Pixel, you go through Settings, then System, Software Updates, then choose System Update. If there is one to install you should be able to see the latest installed version and the android version of your phone.
On a Samsung Galaxy device, it’s quite similar. In Settings, choose Software Updates to see the latest version installed. You can then choose Download and Install to see if an update is available and install it on your device.
The update we are interested in here is being rolled out gradually, depending on the country, manufacturer and device. Google told The Hacker News that it was working with manufacturers, including Samsung, to ensure that the patches were applied as quickly as possible.
