Google’s Project Zero team has discovered 18 zero-day vulnerabilities in select Android smartphones. Hackers can gain remote access and control of these devices by simply knowing the phone number. These vulnerabilities are linked to devices using the Samsung-made Exynos chip. The affected devices include Samsung, Google Pixel, and Vivo smartphones. OEMs are expected to release an OTA update soon to fix the issue. Meanwhile, users are advised to disable Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE and update their smartphones to ensure the security of their devices. The discovery of these vulnerabilities highlights the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity and continuously updating security measures to protect against evolving threats.
Google Discovers 18 Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Samsung Exynos Chips
Google’s Project Zero team has recently discovered 18 zero-day vulnerabilities in select Android smartphones. These vulnerabilities can allow bad actors to remotely access and control the device by knowing only the phone number. The affected devices are from popular brands such as Samsung, Google Pixel, and Vivo.
Vulnerabilities Linked to Samsung-made Exynos Chip
The vulnerabilities are linked to devices using the Samsung-made Exynos chip. The specific modem of this chip allows hackers to remotely execute code. This means that they can access the device’s baseband level by using just the phone number. Even products using the Exynos Auto T5123 chipset can be vulnerable to this attack.
Which Devices are Affected?
The Google Pixel 6 and 7 series of smartphones, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro, are among the affected devices. Similarly, the Exynos variants of Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy M33, Galaxy M13, Galaxy M12s, Galaxy A71, Galaxy A53, Galaxy A33, Galaxy A21s, Galaxy A13, Galaxy A12, and Galaxy A04 are also vulnerable. Lastly, Vivo S16, S15, S6, X70, X60, and Vivo X30 series of smartphones are affected.
Expected Solutions
OEMs are expected to release an over-the-air (OTA) update soon to fix the issue. This update will likely address the vulnerabilities and prevent attackers from exploiting them. It is recommended that users keep their devices updated to ensure the latest security patches are installed.
In conclusion, if you own one of the affected devices, it is crucial to update your device as soon as possible to prevent any potential attacks. The discovery of these vulnerabilities shows how important it is to prioritize cybersecurity and continuously update security measures to ensure protection against evolving threats.
Security Measures for Affected Devices
Users of affected smartphones are advised to disable Wi-Fi calling and Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) to ensure the security of their devices. They should also update their smartphones as soon as possible to fix the issue. An over-the-air (OTA) update from OEMs should be able to provide the necessary security patch to address the vulnerabilities.
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