Vulnerabilities detected in Android phones, update now: CERT-In

Phones with Android 13, 14, 15 and 16 are said to be vulnerable, and an attacker may exploit them to steal sensitive information, execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) attack on the targeted systems.

With more than three billion active users, Android is the most popular mobile OS platform worldwide.

However, this also attracts threat actors to prey on naive phone users. We see so many online frauds happening globally in India. While handset users are advised to exercise caution while venturing a bit deep into the dark web or be wary of installing apps from third-party app stores, it is also the duty of platform owners like Google to ensure the mobile OS platform is safe and secure from cyber threats.

In the latest instance, phones with Android 14, 15 and 16 are said to be vulnerable, and an attacker may exploit them to steal sensitive information, execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) attack on the targeted systems.

"Multiple vulnerabilities exist in Android due to flaws in the Framework, Android Runtime, System, Widevine DRM, Project Mainline components, Kernel, Arm Components, Imagination Technologies, MediaTek components, Qualcomm components, and Qualcomm closed-source components," said the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

Google has acknowledged the issue and has rolled out the September update to plug the security loophole.

Here's how to manually update your Android phone:

Go to Settings >> System update >> Check for updates

In a related development, Meta just a few days ago, rolled out a security update to WhatsApp for iOS and Mac devices.

The security loophole allows threat actors to bypass device authorisation on the targeted device and steal sensitive user information.

WhatsApp acknowledged the security issue and released a new update to the messenger app for iPhones and Mac devices. Apple device owners are advised to upgrade to the latest version of WhatsApp.

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