Google has started to roll out the security patch for December, and it evidently fixes multiple vulnerabilities affecting Android devices, but the highlight has to be CVE-2023-40088. This vulnerability allows Remote Code Execution or RCE, and an attacker could leverage this to install malicious code or software on a user’s phone without consent.
Google itself has stated that this vulnerability is dangerous. The company notes that it could lead to “remote (proximal/adjacent) code execution with no additional execution privileges needed” and that “user interaction is not needed for exploitation.” In simple terms, this could have made it easy for hackers and bad actors to gain access, snoop around your device, and get access to your valuable data.
Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that this vulnerability affected a wide range of Android versions, including Android 11, 12, 12L, 13, and 14.
That said, the update should roll out to devices as and when manufacturers decide to optimize and release these security packages for their smartphones. Typically, Samsung and Google Pixel devices receive these security patches quickly after their reveal.
Now, if you happen to have an Android device that is eligible for the December security update, you should definitely update to the latest version as soon as possible. The vulnerability is of a ‘critical’ nature, and if an attacker does gain access to your device, the consequences can be severe, especially given the prevalence of financial fraud and scams.
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