Google has just launched the deployment of the Android security patch for the month of April 2021. This month, the Mountain View giant fixes a total of 36 security flaws, including two breaches deemed critical. The most serious flaw notably allows an attacker to install malware on a smartphone without the user's knowledge.
This April 5, 2021, Google published the Android security bulletin for the month of April on its official website. Google developers have identified and fixed 36 security flaws in the operating system code. Based on the CVSS scale, Google estimates that 34 breaches are serious. Two of the listed flaws are classified as “critical”.
The CVSS score is a universal scale which makes it possible to determine the level of dangerousness of a fault. In particular, it takes into account the ease with which a hacker can exploit the breach (with or without physical access) as well as the potential risks for Android smartphone users.
ANDROID FLAW ALLOWS MALWARE TO BE INSTALLED ON SMARTPHONES
The bulletin focuses on the most serious flaw spotted this month. This breach concerns the System component of Android . This flaw “could allow a remote attacker to use a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code in the context of a privileged process , ” Google believes. Concretely, a hacker would theoretically be able to install malicious software on your terminal by granting itself Android permissions . By accessing permissions, malware can steal your data.
As always, there are several flaws identified in the components provided by Qualcomm and Mediatek. All the flaws mentioned in the bulletin concerning Android 8.1, Android 9, Android 10 and Android 11. Not surprisingly, this monthly security update will be gradually deployed to all compatible Android devices in the coming weeks. Everything now depends on the responsiveness of the phone manufacturers. As always, Google's Pixels will receive the patch first.
To check if the April patch is already available on your Android smartphone, just go to the Settings menu , then go to About device , and Software update . If an update is available, click Start Update .